Info ministry seeks consensus on media commission

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding press freedom while initiating a consultative process to establish an independent National Media Commission, bringing together representatives from across the media sector for the first time to help shape the proposed body.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon made the remarks while addressing a workshop organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at a city hotel on Thursday to formulate the framework of the National Media Commission.

According to the minister, the gathering marks the first occasion in the country’s history that all media stakeholders have been brought onto a single platform. He said the initiative has created a significant opportunity to strengthen press freedom and facilitate the formation of an independent National Media Commission. Describing the occasion as a landmark moment in Bangladesh’s media landscape, Swapon said the workshop had opened a new avenue for dialogue and consensus-building among stakeholders.

He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on reaching common ground through discussion and mutual understanding.

The minister said the government would act only as a supportive and cooperative partner during the reform process and would serve as a coordinator on behalf of the state in advancing the media’s independent objectives.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a democratic and welfare-oriented state, Swapon said the administration led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had pledged before the election to transform Bangladesh into a genuinely democratic and welfare state. As part of that commitment, he said, reforms would be undertaken in sectors where changes to the state structure are necessary.
“The media is one of the most important sectors identified for reform,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring media freedom.
Prime Minister Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman delivered the keynote speech at the workshop, while State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury gave the welcome address.
In his remarks, Yasser Khan said a democratic government had been established in the country following a bloody revolution and struggle. He emphasised the need for concrete recommendations on preserving democracy and defining how the media can support and collaborate in the government’s development efforts.
Calling for cooperation between the government and media organisations, he urged both sides to work together for the advancement of the media sector.
The state minister also highlighted the importance of creating a strong and accountable Media Commission. “We want to form a Media Commission that will be very strong and where there will be accountability,” he said, seeking stakeholders’ opinions and recommendations on making the proposed body more effective and accountable.
The workshop, moderated by Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, was attended by representatives of television owners, editors and non-governmental organisations, including the National Editors Council, Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), Television Editors Council, Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO), National Media Watch Council, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC), Photo Journalists Association, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha and Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust.