They also pointed out several loopholes in the draft copy.

UNDP and the Media Initiative for Public Policy (MIPP) jointly organised the discussion on 'Right to Information' in the city to mark the World Press Freedom Day.

Speaking as the chief guest, Law and information adviser Barrister Mainul Hosein stressed the need to enact a law to ensure the people's right to information.

If the people had had access to information, the previous governments could not have abused power and resorted to such widespread corruption, he said.

Adviser Mainul Hosein also called on journalists to help mobilise public opinion against corruption and the abuse of power.

"If the people do not have confidence in an elected government, the laws will be ineffective. The people must have the ability to uphold democracy and make the government refrain from doing anything that jeopardises their rights," he said.

"The issues of bringing reforms to different sectors, including democracy, judicial system and the mass media, have come to the fore due to corruption and the failure of our politicians. As the state system was also being criminalised, the country could not be run without the military help," the adviser said.

He also said, "As we are going through the state of emergency and a great crisis, we express our concern over different issues on different occasions. Journalists must understand that we are here not to remain in power and sometimes we advise you out of tension. Do not think that our mistakes or advices are ill-motivated."

The adviser also called on journalists to remain careful, saying, "Some journalists and editors also misuse power to carry out different types of activities. Journalists should also bring about reforms within themselves."

He also assured journalists of announcing wage board award immediately.

Pranab Saha presented the keynote paper while Ali Ashraf, assistant country representative of UNDP, Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, Barrister Tanjibul Islam and Sanaullah Lavlu took part in the discussion moderated by Farid Hossain, co-ordinator of MIPP.

In another discussion, the speakers called on newsmen to unite to safeguard democracy and work towards establishing an independent mass media.

They also said there should be no obstacles to the flow of information.

The National Association of UNESCO Clubs in Bangladesh organised the discussion to mark the World Press Freedom Day-2007, says a press release.

Journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury, development activist Sajedul Awaul, Mohammad Sharif and Rehana Munni spoke at the discussion presided over by Association Secretary General Mahbub Uddin Chowdhury.