Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam addressed the need for a law focusing on the responsibility and ethics of journalists during a discussion with editors and senior journalists. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, aimed to address the media’s challenges over the past 15 years of what was described as a period of fascism.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser emphasized the necessity for journalists to be responsible and professional to receive legal protection. He highlighted that despite the current government’s tenure, no significant changes have occurred in newspapers. He recalled that during the previous Awami government, many journalists lost their jobs, and several newspapers were shut down. Some journalists were accused of supporting the Awami government’s agenda, specifically the Sheikh family.
The adviser advocated for better working conditions for journalists, including increased salaries and benefits. He expressed his intent to establish a wage board for journalists. Alam also accused the Awami government of committing genocide to maintain power, resulting in self-censorship among journalists, a situation he believes must change swiftly.
He cautioned journalists to exercise care when publishing news, noting the detrimental impact of false reporting on lives. The government, he mentioned, is actively working to resolve the media crisis, emphasizing that media development requires political consensus and a positive environment.
Alam spoke against banning the Awami League, suggesting that fostering ideological politics is a more effective solution. The discussion included a keynote address by Professor A Al Mamun from Rajshahi University, emphasizing the need for media reform.
Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahbub Morshed, discussed an upcoming book on predatory journalism by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He described the publication as a tool for self-criticism and a platform for sharing experiences of those oppressed over the past 15 years.
The meeting saw participation from prominent media figures including Senior Journalist Kamal Ahmed, Professor Giti Ara Nasrin, and various editors from notable media outlets, reflecting the collective effort to address and reform the challenges faced by journalists in the country.