Govt working on media reforms, journalists' protection: Mahfuz

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working to implement 12 recommendations of the media reform commission by August this year, Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam said on Sunday.

"We are working on the Journalists' Protection Act and the 9th Wage Board, and these will be implemented during the tenure of the interim government," he said while addressing an event as chief guest.

The programme, organised by the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust (BJWT), was held at the DFP Auditorium in the capital. It honoured journalists who bravely performed their duties during the July uprising, along with families of martyred journalists.

A total of 192 journalists and the families of five martyred journalists were recognised for their courageous and professional conduct during the mass uprising that occurred between July 1 and August 5 last year. The adviser handed over crests, certificates, and cheques to the recipients.

Adviser Mahfuz clarified that the information ministry has no role in the blocking or distribution of news content.

"We do not call or pressure any media outlet to publish or suppress any news. However, in the past six months, several media houses have tried to undermine the spirit and unity of the mass uprising."

He criticised the media's role during the curfew, saying journalism had become one-sided, with TV channels focusing solely on BTV and fire-related terror. "However, some newspapers attempted to present the truth," he noted.

Calling for responsible and accountable journalism, the adviser said the government is working on mechanisms to prevent arbitrary termination of journalists and ensure job protection in the media sector.

"If journalists are not paid their salaries, we will consider measures against those media houses. Options such as offering journalists ownership stakes or other benefits are also under review," he added.

Describing the July uprising as the beginning of a new Bangladesh, he stressed the need for national unity to sustain change.

At the event, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam praised the bravery of field reporters during the uprising and urged media organisations to prioritise journalist welfare.

Editor of The Financial Express, Shamsul Huq Zahid, criticised media ownership patterns, saying most outlets serve their owners' personal interests.

He hoped the current freedom of the media would continue after the country's democratic transition.

Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), Faruk Wasif, denounced fascist elements as "shameless and mentally disordered".

Others who spoke at the event included BJWT Managing Director M Abdullah, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Information Kawsar Ahmed, and Shamsi Ara Zaman, mother of martyred freelance journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo.

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