Government to Bring IPTV and Online News Portals Under Specific Policy Framework

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has stated that the country’s IPTV platforms and online news portals will be brought under a specific government policy framework.

He said detailed discussions on the matter had been held with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, and swift steps are being taken to restore discipline in the media sector.

The State Minister made these remarks on Thursday, February 26, while exchanging views with journalists during a visit to the Nandail Press Club in his constituency of Nandail, Mymensingh, as part of an official tour.

He said that those currently operating online portals with only a mobile phone must comply with government policies. He emphasized that the government of Tarique Rahman does not intend to curtail media freedom, as the Prime Minister believes that a free and strong media is essential for the development of democracy.

Criticizing the activities of the ministry over the past 17 years, Yaser Khan Chowdhury said that after assuming office, he has come to understand how irregularities and corruption had taken place during the previous period. He alleged that rules and regulations were not followed. However, he asserted that from now on, all activities will be conducted on the basis of specific regulations.

This is the State Minister’s first visit to his constituency following the Thirteenth National Parliamentary Election. Upon his arrival in Nandail, police accorded him a guard of honor at the District Council Dak Bungalow premises. He was later welcomed with flowers by the Combined Journalists’ Forum, Nandail, and the Gafargaon Press Club. Leaders and activists of the local Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organizations also extended their greetings.

After the inspection, the State Minister joined an exchange meeting with government officials at the conference room of the Nandail Upazila Executive Officer. There, he advised and instructed officials from various government departments to carry out their duties with transparency and accountability.

DBTech/BMO/EK/OR