More media licences to be issued: Adviser Mahfuj

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam on Thursday reiterated plans to issue licences to more media outlets, emphasising that his ministry has not shut down any media during the interim government's tenure.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a book unveiling and discussion organised by the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), urging the institute to conduct research on the role of television channels during the July uprising.

The book unveiled at the event includes documents on the July uprising, the role of newspapers, and the lives of journalists killed during the movement.

Responding to allegations of "mob violence," Mahfuj Alam admitted it was a failure on their part, saying they could not counter the propaganda spread by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's son, Sajib Wazed Joy, who criticised the uprising shortly after the August 5 changeover.

He warned that the narrative that helped Hasina consolidate power is resurfacing in different forms, noting that groups who previously supported her have started reappearing.

He criticised media owners and editors who supported Hasina over the past 15 years, noting that they have not apologised for their stance. "Now some in the sector express concern about more media getting licenses," he said.

Prof Salimullah Khan, speaking at the event, criticised those advocating the return of the 1972 constitution, saying it has been amended multiple times.

At the event, Prof Mahbub Ullah, an academic, said the media remains dominated by business interests, with little improvement, and that enablers of the previous regime still influence the sector.

Director General of PIB Faruk Wasif, who edited the unveiled book, delivered the welcome speech, while PIB Chairman Prof Firdous Azim and writer-researcher Saimum Parvez also spoke at the event.

nsrafsanju@gmail.com