Media and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances Termed ‘Unreasonable’ by Editors’ Council

The Editors’ Council has described the hurried publication of draft ordinances for the “National Media Commission” and the “Broadcasting Commission” just ahead of the election as undesirable and unreasonable. The organization of newspaper editors believes that making final decisions on laws with such far-reaching consequences without adequate consultation with stakeholders poses a risk to media freedom.

On Sunday (February 1), the Editors’ Council expressed this concern in a statement issued by its President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

The statement noted that although ten months have passed since the Media Reform Commission submitted its report, the government has not implemented any of its recommendations. Meanwhile, the national election is scheduled to be held on February 12, and the tenure of the interim government is also nearing its end. In this context, the move to form two separate commissions by inviting public opinions within only three days has given rise to deep concern.

The Editors’ Council’s main objections are as follows

Fear of state control: The Editors’ Council believes that a review of the structure and various provisions of the two proposed drafts makes it clear that the risk of state control outweighs safeguards for media freedom.

Contrary to democratic practice: Drafting such sensitive laws without proper discussion and review runs counter to participatory and democratic practices.

Ignoring stakeholders: The initiative to enact these laws has been taken without any broad or meaningful consultation with journalists, editors, or representatives of civil society.

The statement said that enacting such important laws would be more appropriate only after the formation of an elected parliament. To ensure media freedom and professional security, haste is not the answer; rather, a transparent and responsible process is in the best interest of the country and democracy. The organization urged the government to refrain from rushing into lawmaking and instead seek long-term solutions through meaningful dialogue with stakeholders.

It is worth noting that the two draft ordinances concerning the National Media Commission and the Broadcasting Commission were recently published and are available on the website of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.