Transparency International Bangladesh on Saturday criticised the interim government for publishing two draft ordinances on media regulation, saying that the move undermines long-standing public demands for an independent and free media regulatory framework.
The organisation, in a statement, said that the draft National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance, released at the final stage of the interim government’s tenure, contradicted the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission and amounted to a ‘parting mockery’ of public expectations for free media development.
The anti-corruption watchdog said that the demand for a unified, independent and effective media commission has existed for years and was clearly reflected in the Media Reform Commission’s report. However, more than 10 months after the submission of that report, the government has taken no steps to implement its key recommendations.
Instead, TIB said, the government has proposed two separate commissions that appear designed to increase bureaucratic control over the media sector, while allowing only three days for public feedback—an approach it described as inconsistent with transparency and democratic consultation.
TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said that the proposed structure, authority and administrative arrangements of the two commissions would place them firmly under government control.
‘This is a mockery of the interim government’s commitment to the development of free media and independent broadcasting,’ he said, adding that the government’s failure to curb state and non-state interference in the media had been evident throughout its tenure.
Iftekharuzzaman also alleged that acts of violence, intimidation and attempts to impose authority on the media continued during the interim period, sometimes with direct or indirect involvement of state actors.
Referring to institutional gaps in the current regulatory system, he said that the existing Press Council had long been ineffective, while there was no comparable independent body for the broadcast media. ‘Against this backdrop, the Media Reform Commission, following research and consultations with stakeholders, recommended the creation of a single and unified media commission free from government influence.’
‘The government has shown no consideration for this recommendation,’ he said.
TIB warned that creating two separate regulatory bodies for the closely linked print, online and broadcast sectors would further complicate regulation and weaken media freedom.
Instead, it reiterated its call for a unified, independent media commission operating outside government authority.
The organisation urged the interim government not to rush the promulgation of the draft ordinances and called on political parties contesting the upcoming national election to commit to meaningful reform after the formation of the next parliament.
TIB noted that many political parties have themselves been victims of restrictions on free media and independent broadcasting and have made strong commitments to media freedom in their election manifestos.
