Speakers urge media reforms to rebuild public trust

Media leaders, editors and rights advocates on Sunday underscored the urgent need for self-regulation, institutional reform and stronger accountability to rebuild public confidence in media of Bangladesh.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman stressed that the media must develop and enforce its own code of conduct in a climate that safeguards freedom.

The programme, themed “Rebuilding Public Trust: Media Independence and Democratic Accountability in Bangladesh,” was moderated by TIB Executive Director.

Iftekharuzzaman said self-regulation is a fundamental component of a free and responsible media, but it can only function effectively within a supportive political and governance environment. Without such conditions, he warned, self-regulation risks turning into a tool for control and surveillance rather than ensuring genuine independence.

It’s organised by UNESCO and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) at the Meghomala Auditorium of MIDAS Centre in Dhanmondi, marking World Press Freedom Day 2026.

TIB Executive Director also raised concerns about existing digital regulations, describing some as draconian and questioning whether they would support or hinder media self-regulation.

Iftekharuzzaman further cautioned that self-regulation could be misused as a slogan to justify political control. When partisan interests dominate the media landscape, the concept itself becomes compromised, he said.

Referring to past controversies involving The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, he noted that those incidents were not solely due to mob pressure or government failure, pointing instead to the role of actors within the media. He urged the industry to address internal shortcomings and ensure accountability.

Kamal Ahmed, Consulting Editor of The Daily Star and head of the Media Reform Commission under the interim government, said effective self-regulation is key to restoring public trust.