Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has announced the government’s initiative to establish an independent commission aimed at strengthening the media by ensuring press freedom. The minister emphasized a shift from previous government approaches that focused primarily on control, highlighting the current administration’s commitment to media discipline and welfare within an independent legal framework.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Swapon made these remarks while addressing a views-exchange meeting with leaders of the newly formed Television Editors Council (TEC) at the ministry. He stressed the importance of a robust media commission, drawing parallels to the transparency ensured by a strong Election Commission, and noted that the government considers itself a stakeholder in the media landscape alongside outlets, owners, journalists, and workers.
Swapon articulated the government’s role in fostering a fair environment and equal rights for all media stakeholders. He firmly rejected the notion of using the commission for propaganda or control, stating that the government does not intend to emulate fascist regimes. The minister also critiqued the practice of media ownership being used to evade taxes or protect illegal income, asserting that such practices must be eliminated.
He further outlined that media licenses, both new and renewals, would be contingent upon compliance with labor laws, regular payment of wages and benefits, and transparency in financial matters. Swapon announced initiatives to enhance the skills of media professionals, particularly in broadcasting, sound, and graphics engineering, to adapt to transformations in the media industry.
The minister also condemned the practice of reporting inflated circulation figures for newspapers, announcing the introduction of digital systems for accurate print and TRP counts. He declared that government advertising benefits would no longer be allocated based on fabricated circulation data.
The meeting was attended by TEC convener Dr. Abdul Hai Siddique, member secretary Zobayer Babu, and newly elected council members.