Government Plans Media Commission to Promote Free Journalism

The government is set to establish a Media Commission to promote the overall development of the country's media sector and strengthen the environment for independent journalism, according to Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed.

He made the announcement on Saturday (July 4) while visiting the bureau offices of several daily newspapers in Chattogram and exchanging views with journalists.

The Chief Information Officer said the commission would be formed based on consultations with all stakeholders in the media sector. Its primary objective will be to safeguard the interests of an independent media and further strengthen the professional environment for journalism.

He said misinformation and rumors have become one of the greatest challenges facing independent journalism. According to him, "defeated fascist forces" are attempting to create instability by spreading misleading information through various channels. In this context, he said, journalists must effectively counter disinformation by publishing truthful, accurate, and objective news.

Syed Abdal Ahmed said the current government expects responsible journalism rather than flattery from the media. He added that responsible journalism remains indispensable for sustaining the country's progress and democratic environment.

He further alleged that some media outlets have recently attempted to follow practices associated with the country's past authoritarian rule. At the same time, he said, efforts have been observed on social media to promote misleading narratives in support of "fallen forces." He added that the government is closely monitoring these developments.

Earlier, the Chief Information Officer addressed a workshop for journalists organized by the Department of Information in Bandarban as the chief guest. He was welcomed by Zahidul Karim Kochi, President of the Chattogram Press Club, and journalist Sohag Kumar Biswas.

Among those present were Saleh Noman, General Secretary of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists' Union; Mustafa Nayeem, Special Correspondent and Chattogram Bureau Chief of Kaler Kantho; and journalists from various media organizations.

Later, the Chief Information Officer attended a joint exchange meeting organized by the National Press Club and the Chattogram Press Club at a local community center. The event was attended by Hasan Hafiz, President of the National Press Club; Ayub Bhuiyan, its General Secretary; Kader Gani Chowdhury, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ); Golam Maula Murad, General Secretary of the Chattogram Press Club; Osman Gani Monsur, Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth Journalists Association Bangladesh Chapter; Mia Arif, Senior Reporter at the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS); Majumdar Nazim Uddin; and other journalists.

//DBTech/BN/MI/OR//