Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering healthy competition in the newspaper industry through ethical practices. He expressed these views during a meeting with the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at the ministry’s conference room.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser highlighted the government’s efforts to implement recommendations from the Media Reform Commission. He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure these reforms are successfully enacted. Concerns were raised about ongoing negative trends within the print media sector, with a call to eliminate such practices.
NOAB President A.K. Azad addressed the declining circulation and advertising revenue of print newspapers over the last 12-13 years. He advocated for a reduction in the corporate tax rate from 27.5% to 10% to support the struggling industry. Azad also proposed restructuring the Wage Board through a search committee to ensure transparency and fairness.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman commended the Media Reform Commission’s report, stressing the need for urgent implementation of its recommendations. He also noted that the current government is not trying to intimidate the press.
NOAB proposed the creation of a permanent Media Commission to manage long-term reforms and maintain stability in the sector. Editors from leading national dailies, including Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, The Daily Sangbad Altaf Mas Kabir, The Financial Express Shamsul Haque Zahid, and The Daily Karatoa editor Mozammel Haque, participated in the discussion.