Dhaka: Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that journalism over the past 15 years during the Awami League regime will undergo an investigation under the United Nations’ supervision. He made these remarks as the chief guest at the Media Reform Commission report review event organized by the Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC) at the Daily Star Bhaban in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shafiqul emphasized the necessity of ensuring a minimum salary of Taka 30,000 for journalists in electronic media. He mentioned that during the 15-year rule of the Awami League, three controversial elections took place, and numerous individuals suffered from disappearances and murders. The BNP has repeatedly claimed that the government at the time filed six million cases against their leaders and activists, prompting questions about the truthfulness of journalism during this period.
Shafiqul stated that a letter is being written for the UN to supervise the investigation into the journalism of the last 15 years, inviting external experts to assess the situation. This initiative, he believes, will restore trust in journalism in Bangladesh, allowing for a new beginning. He noted that while journalists may have political ideologies, the critical issue is whether they disseminate disinformation.
He highlighted the harassment faced by journalists during the previous government’s tenure and pointed out that the interim government is working to ensure objective journalism. The press secretary mentioned that over the last 11 months, efforts have been made to create an effective space for free media, allowing journalists to operate freely.
The Digital Security Act has been repealed, and new measures have been implemented to prevent any agency from intimidating the media. Shafiqul asserted that the media is currently independent, with no government interference. He accused some individuals of using media platforms to spread falsehoods, stressing that media should hold the government accountable while avoiding disinformation.
At the meeting, the journalist organization called for the formation of a separate commission for broadcast media, the establishment of minimum educational qualifications for journalists, and a distinct salary structure.