Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said no journalist will remain in jail without committing a crime. The government will, in principle, ensure professional security for all journalists under the law.
He made the remarks at a discussion marking World Press Freedom Day at the Tothyo Bhaban auditorium in Dhaka, adding that defamation cases and other legal complexities will be brought under institutional management through the Press Council.
He added that no individual or institution in the government would dictate or call any media house.
“In our election manifesto and 31-point declaration, BNP pledged to respect impartial journalism and objective criticism. We remain committed to ensuring protection for media, journalists, and institutions,” he said.
The minister then announced plans to form a media commission based on recommendations from a consultative committee of media experts.
He proposed forming a consultative committee led by a media expert to guide the creation of the commission.
“Healthy regulation is needed in the media -- not control, but regulation,” he said, adding that even in countries like the UK and the USA, regulatory bodies exist.
He also raised concerns over media data accuracy, saying circulation figures and TRP ratings were often misleading.
“Against millions of TV boxes, only a few hundred devices are used to determine TRP. This is unacceptable,” he said, adding that a transparent system is needed.
Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) President and Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said media freedom is constrained in a politically polarised environment.
He warned against growing self-censorship and political pressure on editorial choices, citing experiences from talk shows and past cases of harassment of broadcasters.
He also urged a review of blanket murder charges and arbitrary detentions of journalists, calling for consideration of bail and legal fairness.
Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim said democracy and the rule of law require media freedom, alongside accountability and responsibility.
Focusing on “jurisdiction, limitation, and issues,” he said, “If everyone works within their professional boundaries and responsibilities, many social problems can be solved.”
Other speakers at the event included BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, and Independent Television Chief News Editor Mostofa Akmal. Dhaka University Professor SM Shameem Reza delivered the keynote, and PIB Director General Faruk Wasif moderated the event.
