Media ownership used as 'political tool', biz backup

Bangladesh's media sector is undergoing significant uncertainty with vested-interest quarters clutching ownerships and using media outfits as political tools and business backups, reveals a UN report.

The joint survey report says Bangladesh's media sector is undergoing a period of significant uncertainty amid the country's ongoing political transition, in reflection of accumulated problems.

Titled 'An Assessment of Bangladesh's Media Landscape: Free, Independent, and Pluralistic Media', the report, made public Wednesday, provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving conditions for media organisations and journalists until this interim period.

The two agencies of the United Nations have found that Bangladesh is navigating a moment of uncertainty, particularly in the realms of media governance, political accountability, and institutional independence.

"In the aftermath of the July uprising, the newly formed Interim Government has pledged to uphold freedom of expression and ensure that the press remains capable of scrutinising power, exposing corruption, and reporting on human rights abuses."

The report also notes that the government has taken certain encouraging steps-such as suspending controversial cybersecurity laws and legal proceedings that had stifled dissent. However, the duo warns that the recently introduced Cyber Security Ordinance, though framed as a reform measure, contains clauses reminiscent of prior legislation, sparking concerns about the potential for renewed censorship.

To chart a clearer course forward, the Interim Government has formed a National Media Reform Commission. "Yet, the landscape remains volatile. Some decisions by state bodies-covert pressures, policy ambiguity, and selective actions-have bred both hope and hesitation among media stakeholders."

In a notable leap, meanwhile, Bangladesh climbed 16 places in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Press Freedom Index, now ranking 149th. "While this movement suggests progress, the report tempers celebration with realism: the metrics don't capture the full complexity on the ground."

For instance, the report mentions that several journalists have had their press credentials revoked in recent months. "Reports of harassment-especially of those linked to the former ruling party-continue to surface. Many media houses still operate under heavy editorial influence from ownership, often discouraging critical journalism."

Adding another layer of complexity is the polarisation within journalist unions and associations, which weakens collective bargaining and safety measures.

The aftermath of the uprising also revealed a stark divide-while many journalists courageously reported live from protest zones, major outlets often failed to challenge state violence or hold the previous regime accountable.

One of the starkest revelations of the report is persistent financial manipulation and politicization of the media sector. The country's advertising market is described as "weak," pushing outlets to depend heavily on state subsidies, especially through public advertising-a system mired in bias, lack of transparency, and political favoritism.

Shockingly, "underground" or shadow publications have found ways to siphon off public funds, often at the expense of legitimate outlets. Simultaneously, "the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) stands accused of arbitrarily managing the list of government-approved newspapers, with circulation data reportedly manipulated to benefit favoured entities".

The report highlights the disturbing trend of media ownership as a "political tool". Several media houses are controlled by business elites who "use their platforms not for journalism but to curry favour with policymakers and push narrow agenda. In such scenarios, ethical journalism is sidelined, professionalism is diluted, and profits become irrelevant compared to political capital".

One of the more striking observations in the report is the generational gap between traditional media and the country's youth population. Run by legacy figures who frequently misunderstand or overlook youth issues, mainstream outlets are increasingly being bypassed by young consumers in favor of agile, digital-first alternatives.

This has sparked a "quiet revolution" in content creation. Most traditional media organizations now run dual operations: print or broadcast on one side, and aggressive digital engagement through YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram on the other. While this digital shift enhances accessibility and reach, it has also created an information bubble vulnerable to misinformation and monetization-driven sensationalism.

The profession of journalism itself is undergoing a transformation. Passionate students and principled professionals are gradually withdrawing from mainstream media, disillusioned by editorial compromises and financial instability.

Conversely, "individuals motivated by political or economic gains are entering the field, changing the very ethos of journalism in Bangladesh".

"This distorted media economy is further hampered by arbitrary licensing policies, which have birthed ghost outlets-licensed in name but inactive in function-that still chase public funds and legitimacy," the UNESCO-UNDP report says.

Aligning with the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, the report calls for an evidence-based, inclusive media-policy process-one that moves beyond symbolic gestures and addresses root causes of fragility.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com