ICTD Collaborates on Media Reform: Journalists Honoured for Courage During July Uprising
The government is in the process of formulating policies for OTT platforms and online media in consultation with the ICT Division, announced Mahfuz Alam, Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser, during a commemorative event held at the Information Building in Dhaka on Sunday, August 3. The event was organized to honour the families of journalists martyred during the July uprising, as well as injured and courageous journalists.
In his keynote speech, Mahfuz Alam stated, “The government is considering a broadcast policy to bring television and online media within a framework.” He emphasized the significant role of mobile journalism during the uprising, noting that many individuals not only participated in the movement but also documented it using their mobile phones.
Praising the contributions of photojournalists, the adviser remarked, “They risked their lives to capture powerful images of the uprising. These photos tell stories that words cannot.”
Discussing ongoing initiatives, Alam mentioned that the government is working on implementing 12 proposed reforms recommended by the Media Reform Commission, including the development of a Journalist Protection Ordinance. “Drafting an ordinance involves a process,” he said. “There’s ongoing debate about the scope of journalism under such legislation, but we are hopeful it will be formulated through consultation with all stakeholders.”
On the implementation of the Ninth Wage Board, he stated, “Several ministries are involved, and we are committed to completing the process within the tenure of the current interim government.” He also highlighted that government-supported training programmes are underway to enhance journalists' professional skills.
Regarding sudden layoffs in media organizations, Alam said the government is exploring ways to address the issue. Speaking about journalists’ financial security, he stressed, “If journalists are ensured a dignified life, there will be less incentive for biased reporting.”
He urged media owners to offer respectable salaries to journalists and added, “We are reviewing whether journalists working in media institutions can be granted ownership stakes. If implemented, it would empower journalists and balance the power dynamic between owners and media professionals.”
Special guest Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, also called upon media houses to provide fair wages and personal protective gear to journalists. “Field and regional journalists showed immense bravery during the July uprising despite lacking personal safety measures. They have elevated journalism in Bangladesh to a new height,” he said.
The event was presided over by Muhammad Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust. Other speakers included Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md. Kausar Ahmad, Director General of Press Institute Bangladesh Faruk Wasif, Editor of The Financial Express Shamsul Huq Zahid, Shamsi Ara Zaman, mother of slain journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, journalist Tawhidul Haque Siam who filmed the killing of journalist Abu Saeed, and The Daily Star photojournalist Imran Hossain.
During the ceremony, families of five martyred journalists from the July uprising, along with 192 injured and courageous journalists, were honoured. In addition, a total of BDT 5.6 million was distributed as financial support.
