AL enacted several policies, laws with a desire to control media: CA's Press Secy Shafiqul Alam

The Awami League government enacted several policies and laws over the years, all designed with a desire to control the media, said chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam.

"It is crucial to revise the existing policies and laws to remove controlling provisions and establish an independent media system," he said today (20 November) during a discussion titled "The Role of Media in the July Massacre: Accountability and Reform," at the National Press Club

"We are aware of the role the media played during [former prime minister] Sheikh Hasina's fascist regime over the past 15 years," he said, adding the media's coverage during the student movement also needs to be scrutinised.  

He also highlighted the lack of media coverage following incidents of enforced disappearances of certain influential figures and the partisan nature of media reports centring the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections.

Also present at the event, Chief Reporter at The Business Standard Abbas Uddin Noyon said, "Fascists seize control of institutions, including the media. Many journalists took advantage of their association with the-then government and became complicit."

The event was chaired by "We Demand Media Free from Fascism" convener and journalist Joynal Abedin Shishir, with spokesperson Plabon Tariq as the moderator.

The event's convener Joynal Abedin Shishir said the Awami League government practically forced the media to spread misinformation and propaganda which was then consumed by the public.