Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced today that a timely media policy and commission will be established by July-August to safeguard the interests of journalists, media owners, and newspaper employees. The minister emphasized the need for a legal framework to address issues of anarchy caused by unethical journalism.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Swapon made these remarks during a weekly press briefing at the Secretariat’s Press Information Department conference room. He was accompanied by Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Additional Secretary Md Yasin, and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed.
Swapon highlighted the government’s dual responsibility to protect journalists’ interests while supporting media owners. He mentioned plans to create a legal framework to resolve disputes between these parties, with a policy and commission acceptable to all by the proposed timeline. Discussions with the Editors’ Council also covered false cases against journalists and the lack of legal provisions to identify unethical journalism as a crime, which the new commission aims to address.
The minister referenced a Cabinet decision to promote the import of environment-friendly electric buses, particularly for educational institutions, with duty-free incentives. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion and pollution by decreasing the reliance on individual vehicles.
Additionally, Swapon addressed the need for a clear definition and policy regarding the capacity of buses eligible for duty-free import as public transport. In response to a query, he acknowledged past failures to prosecute media-related crimes from the 1971 Liberation War but expressed optimism that such issues will be addressed with the establishment of the new commission.