Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam announced today that the government intends to reform the media sector based on the findings of the Media Reform Commission. This announcement was made during a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at his office in the Posts and Telecommunications Division.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid Islam emphasized the crucial role of media as a pillar of democracy, which necessitated the formation of the Media Reform Commission by the interim government. The commission’s report will guide the government in initiating reforms across both public and private media sectors to ensure media freedom.
During the meeting, international legal expert Professor Joan Barata Mir, a member of the delegation, praised the interim government’s decision to repeal the Cyber Security Act and expressed his willingness to assist in the media
reform process. Nahid Islam also highlighted the tragic loss of over 127 children during the July uprising and the thousands who were injured, seeking UNESCO and UNDP’s support for their treatment and rehabilitation.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana clarified that the government does not intend to impose restrictions on the media. She also pointed out the significant challenge of preventing rumors and misinformation, seeking UNESCO and UNDP’s cooperation in addressing this issue.
In response to UNESCO’s Head of Communication and Information Noor Jannat Prama’s inquiry about labor rights and media worker security, Nahid reassured that the interim government is prioritizing these issues. The meeting was also attended by ICT Policy Advisor Fayez Ahmad Taib, Dhaka University Professor Dr. Shamim Reza, and other senior ministry officials.