Report calls for urgent reforms to safeguard free, inclusive media in Bangladesh
NN Online:
A newly released report assessing Bangladesh’s media landscape warns that restrictive laws and political pressures continue to undermine press freedom and public trust.
To address these concerns, the report calls for immediate legal and policy reforms aligned with international standards. Key recommendations include transparent licensing processes, fair distribution of state advertising, better pay and protections for journalists, credible self-regulation mechanisms, gender equality in newsrooms, and increased support for community and indigenous media outlets.
It also urges investment in professional journalism standards and nationwide media literacy initiatives to rebuild confidence in the media.
Titled An Assessment of Bangladesh’s Media Landscape: Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media, the report was jointly launched on Thursday by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNESCO, with support from the Embassy of Switzerland. Conducted between July and December 2024, the report presents a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing Bangladesh’s media sector during a critical period of political and social transition.
Based on consultations with journalists, academics, civil society, policymakers, and development partners across the country, the report identifies deeply rooted barriers and offers actionable solutions for reform.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam, attending as chief guest, stressed the importance of media ethics and accountability: “Media must not betray public trust or mislead future generations.”
UNDP Bangladesh Resident Representative Sonali Dayaratne emphasized the media’s central role in democracy. “This joint assessment, with Switzerland’s support, clearly outlines what needs to be done to protect media freedom and regain public trust. UNDP remains committed to structural reforms and to supporting media professionals as key democratic actors.”
Alberto Giovanetti, Counsellor at the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, described the report as a timely and necessary reminder: “Free, independent, and pluralistic media are essential to any healthy democracy. We commend this initiative and urge all stakeholders to push for critical reforms.”
Moderating the event, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize said, “Freedom of expression is essential for democratic institutions. It is a cornerstone for protecting human rights and ensuring a better quality of life. Media freedom must remain integral to that process.”
Earlier, Professor Dr. Joan Barata from Vanderbilt University and Dr. Shameem Reza of the University of Dhaka presented the keynote findings of the assessment. Their presentation was followed by reflections from leading media experts and development partners.
As Bangladesh charts its future, UNDP stressed that implementing the report’s recommendations will be essential for building a media environment that is free, inclusive, and capable of supporting democratic governance and sustainable development.
