Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on information and broadcasting, today said the current democratically-elected government will not commit the “stupidity” of engaging in conflicts with the media.
He made the remark at an event organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Unesco in Dhaka's Dhanmondi to mark World Press Freedom Day.
The adviser said the government is prepared to accept logical criticism and will not take any steps that could damage its relationship with the press.
“People can now openly criticise the government -- even harshly -- without facing censorship. This is a recognition of our efforts, and we want this environment of free speech to continue,” Zahed said.
Responding to Zahed’s remarks, Kamal Ahmed, consulting editor of The Daily Star, said, “He said the government does not want to antagonise the press out of fear. But this fear will not last forever. We want clear policy commitments from the government and a principled stance to ensure media freedom and protection. Until such commitments are made, I will remain sceptical.”
Acknowledging the arrests of journalists on various charges, including murder, during the interim government's tenure, Zahed said the prime minister has taken the matter into “serious cognisance” and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
He also said a preliminary decision has been made to form a special monitoring cell at the Prime Minister's Office to prevent cyberbullying against female journalists, warning of strict government action in this regard.
Highlighting Bangladesh Television’s financial deficit, the adviser said the state broadcaster has a budget of Tk 320-325 crore but generates only Tk 15-16 crore in revenue. He said the government is even considering shutting down BTV; however, if it remains operational, it will be repurposed strictly for public welfare.
The government is working to prevent the waste of public funds and make BTV and Bangladesh Betar truly public-oriented, he said, adding that a meeting with the Media Reform Commission will be held soon to implement actionable steps.
Responding to queries, Zahed said discussions are underway with the education ministry to introduce media literacy at the school level.
He added that the ministry has started working to address manipulation in newspaper circulation figures. Legal action will also be taken against the spread of fake news and photo cards in the name of mainstream media on social media platforms.
Regarding Bangladesh’s recent drop in the World Press Freedom Index, Zahed said, “This is the track record of the previous government, not the current one.” He expressed optimism that the country’s ranking would improve next year.
Opening remarks were delivered by Susan Vize, head of office and Unesco representative to Bangladesh, and Paola Castro Neiderstam, first secretary for human rights, democracy and gender equality at the Embassy of Sweden.
Along with Kamal Ahmed, the panel session included Fahim Ahmed, chairman of the Broadcast Journalists Center; Shahnaz Munni, a senior TV journalist; and Reaz Ahmad, editor of the Dhaka Tribune.
The programme concluded with remarks from Rüdiger Lotz, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, and Zahed Ur Rahman.
The programme was moderated by Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB.
