Govt considering independent media commission: Info Adviser

The government is considering forming an independent media commission based on feedback from the journalist community, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam during a view exchange meeting with journalists at his secretariat office today (18 August).

"We have primarily thought about an independent media commission and we will determine its framework through discussions with journalists," said Nahid while replying to a question over the protection of journalists in their professional works, reports UNB.

The information adviser also said there will be no room for corruption and nepotism in his ministry. 

He made the remark while replying to a question about corruption within the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) and the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB).

"We must ensure that these institutions operate with complete impartiality," he asserted.

Nahid expressed concern that similar to the political divide between the Awami League and BNP, the media also appears divided along partisan lines. He urged journalists to avoid such divisions and to speak for the people from a neutral standpoint.

Regarding the long-pending Journalist Protection Act, Nahid acknowledged its delay and assured that he would address it. The information adviser also put emphasis on reviewing the Cyber Security Act.

On the investigation into the murders of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, he said that the government is seeking a swift resolution, emphasising that there would be no delay or deception in this matter. 

Commenting that the country's people know what kind of farce was made regarding this murder, he said, "We will do everything possible from the government and the ministry to investigate every incident of killing and torturing journalists and the perpetrators will be brought to book."

About interference in journalism, Nahid said, "We witnessed what kind of brazen interference was imposed on the freedom of the press, mass media and the freedom of expression in Bangladesh. We do not want such incidents to happen in Bangladesh in the future." 

Noting that it is impossible to ensure the freedom of speech without ensuring the freedom of the press, he said, "We must work to ensure freedom of the press."

He emphasised reviewing the controversial laws and regulations to ensure complete freedom of speech, reports BSS. 

The adviser also assured of standing by the journalists who were killed and received injuries during the anti-discrimination movement waged by students and mass people.

About the salary structure of journalists, he said the salaries of reporters at junior level are very low while in many cases the salary structure is not followed at all by the media outlets.

"So, there is a need for a policy regarding the salary structure. If we cannot encourage talented people in journalism, it will not progress," he added.

Nahid, also posts, telecommunications and information technology adviser, further mentioned that the ministry would soon decide about the films that were not released due to the non-clearance of the Censor Board.

"We will quickly reorganise the Censor Board, making decisions based on logical reasoning," he added, reports UNB.

When asked about cases being filed allegedly out of personal vendettas, he said, "We have instructions to ensure that no action is taken against those who were not involved in crimes. If cases are filed, they will be handled based on clear investigations. The Ministry of Law has been given specific instructions in this regard."

Information and Broadcasting Ministry Senior Secretary Md Humayun Kabir Khandaker and other senior officials of the ministry along with journalists were present at the meeting.