Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed concern over the growing commercialization of the media, saying that many media outlets have become representatives of business interests rather than independent media organisations.

Speaking at a discussion on Sunday, the minister said, ``Today, the media sectors was facing challenges. The biggest problem is that the media is no longer truly media; it has become a representative of business houses.``

``One can clearly see what sycophancy looks like by observing certain sections of the media. We witnessed during the last regime how such practices flourished. Hope that you have emerged from that period and have fought against it. Use that experience positively. We are with you``

Fakhrul also highlighted the contributions of former President Ziaur Rahman, stating that he worked for the development of every sector of the state, promoted the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism, and helped institutionalize democracy as an effective system of governance.

``If Ziaur Rahman had lived another ten years, Bangladesh would have progressed much further,`` he said.

``The Awami League portrayed him as a killer, whereas he was not only a statesman, but also a national hero.``