Leading editors, media owners, academics and journalists on Saturday called for the establishment of an independent Media Commission to address what they described as a deepening crisis in Bangladesh's media industry, marked by shrinking revenues, declining public trust, weak professional standards and a lack of accountability.
The demand came at a discussion titled "Media Commission: Expectations from the Government", organised by the Media Reform and Development Initiative (MRDI) at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka.
Speakers said a commission could play an important role in reforming the sector, provided it enjoys legal independence and the government demonstrates the political will to implement its recommendations.
Consulting Editor of The Daily Star and Chair of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed described the media sector as suffering from "anarchy and chaos" and stressed the need for transparency in ownership and investment.
He proposed a "One Media, One House" policy to curb the concentration of ownership and called for digitised monitoring of television ratings and newspaper circulation to eliminate manipulation.
Editor of The Financial Express and Media Reform Commission member Shamsul Huq Zahid questioned whether a commission could be effective without first addressing structural disorder in the industry.
He noted that many of the nearly 300 daily newspapers published from Dhaka have little readership and survive largely through access to government facilities and advertisements.
Editor of Daily Waadaa and former Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam supported the proposal, expressing concern over yellow journalism, plagiarism and "armchair journalism". He called for stronger legal protections against defamatory and targeted reporting.
Professor Gitiara Nasreen said the commission should serve as a long-term guide for reform and proposed a dedicated research wing to monitor developments and formulate policy recommendations.
Chairman of Ekushey Television Abdus Salam highlighted the financial challenges facing broadcasters, saying the advertising market has shrunk by around 35 per cent while the number of television channels has risen to 43.
Journalist Zahid Newaz Khan raised concerns over the influence of intelligence agencies on media operations and pointed out the absence of a wage board mechanism for television channels.
Deputy Editor of Prothom Alo Lazzat Enab Masih said many rural correspondents receive little or no salary, creating conditions that encourage unethical practices.
Executive Editor of The Business Standard Sakhawat Liton called for a unified regulatory body capable of protecting press freedom, while MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman proposed a framework based on self-regulation, public participation and audience feedback.
Other speakers, including editors Reaz Ahmad, Mostafa Kamal, Mostafa Mamun, Shahed Md Ali and Shahrier Karim, highlighted concerns ranging from licensing procedures and professional standards to newspaper distribution and the misuse of laws against journalists.
