Info minister stresses need for independent media commission with objective approach 

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today (15 June) said establishing an independent and responsible media commission based on an objective perspective is essential in the present context.

The commission would identify problems prevailing in every sector of the media and show ways to address them, he said, adding that alongside ensuring media freedom, it would also define the boundaries of responsibility.

The minister was addressing as the chief guest a seminar titled "Remembering the Black Day of Newspaper Closure under Baksal Rule" and "Media Failure in Confronting Fascism", organised by the National Editors Council (NEC) at the DFP conference room in the Information Building.

He said whenever media freedom is discussed, the coexistence of diverse opinions naturally comes into consideration. Likewise, when media responsibility is discussed, the issue of accountability also emerges.

"If we fail to stand on an objective outlook, it will not be possible in future to establish an independent and responsible media commission," he noted.

Referring to past experiences, the minister said that as a newspaper reader, it appeared to him that all previous initiatives in this regard were partial. 

Since those efforts never reached completion and failed to create any structure, it was not possible to build Bangladesh's media into a strong institution, he said, adding that the responsibility for this should be borne by the previous government.

Zahir Uddin Swapon said a press commission had once been formed under the leadership of Ataur Rahman Khan, but its report and recommendations never saw the light of day. 

He called for the formation of a media commission under the leadership of a former distinguished judge, taking that instance into consideration.

Representatives from the Information and Law Ministries, the National Editors Council, various trade unions of newspapers and the National Press Club could be included in the commission, he opined.

Mentioning that the commission would formulate policies, laws and structures, the minister would create opportunities for the development of both the professional and commercial aspects of the media while promoting ethical journalism and preventing the drift towards irresponsible journalism and malpractice.

Citing examples from developed countries, the minister said the policies and regulations of UK's Office of Communications, the United States' Federal Communications Commission and the European Union's commission are followed by all concerned.

As a result, while freedom is ensured, the boundaries of responsibility are also maintained to protect that freedom from disorder. 

"Bangladesh now has a similar opportunity to create such a framework," he added.

He also said he had been holding continuous discussions with all stakeholders, including the National Editors Council, owners' associations, editors' organisations, journalists' unions and organisations representing press officers and employees. 

He warned that unless a consensus is built among all stakeholders on the objectives and structure from the outset by bringing them onto a common platform, the initiative could face the same fate as previous unsuccessful efforts.

Daily Amar Desh Editor and Joint Convener of the National Editors Council, Mahmudur Rahman, presided over the seminar.

Editor of Protidiner Bangladesh, eminent journalist and political analyst Maruf Kamal Khan Sohel, presented the keynote paper.

In his keynote paper, Maruf Kamal described press freedom as the principal instrument of democracy, saying that after the formation of Baksal on 16 June 1975, the declarations of all newspapers in the country were cancelled except for four state-run newspapers, which he termed a dark chapter in the demise of journalism.

Later, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman restored press freedom and multi-party democracy, he added.

In his speech, Mahmudur Rahman said genuine media freedom means the ability to express one's opinion. If anyone disagrees, the response should come through writing, but no force should be used to silence voices, he said.

There could be no compromise or unity with those who acted as collaborators of the previous fascist government and attempted to justify what he termed genocide, including the July killings, through the media. Instead, he called for ensuring their trial.