Media Commission Ordinance Is Interim Government’s “Parting Mockery,” Says TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has described the draft ordinances for the “National Media Commission” and the “Broadcast Commission” as a “parting mockery” by the interim government of public expectations for the development of a free media environment in the country. According to the organization, by ignoring the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, the drafts are an attempt to impose bureaucratic control over the media sector.

TIB made these remarks in a statement sent to the media on Saturday (31 January).

The statement said that the demand for an independent and effective media commission in Bangladesh has existed for a long time. Although the Media Reform Commission submitted its report ten months ago, the government remained indifferent to implementing its recommendations. At the final stage of its tenure, the government’s hurried proposal to establish two new state institutions has caused deep disappointment. TIB believes that seeking public opinion with only three days’ notice, while ignoring public expectations, amounts to a form of “subversive maneuver” by the government.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “The proposed structure of the two commissions, the status and powers of the commissioners, and the financial management have all been designed to remain entirely under government control, particularly that of the bureaucracy. This is an example of mockery toward the expectations for the development of a free media and independent broadcasting.”

He further alleged that throughout the tenure of the interim government, it failed to prevent state and non-state control and violence against the media. In many cases, the government’s direct and indirect role as an instigator was also evident.

To address the limitations of the existing Press Council, the Media Reform Commission had recommended the formation of a unified, independent, and regulation-free media commission. However, ignoring this recommendation, the government is moving toward establishing two separate regulatory institutions. TIB believes that forming a single independent commission outside government authority is the demand of the present time.

TIB has urged the government not to hastily turn the two drafts into ordinances. At the same time, the organization has called on political parties to form a truly independent and impartial unified media commission through the establishment of a new parliament after the upcoming election.