No one will be able to control journos under media commission: Info minister
Swapon says the country’s media sector currently lacks a proper institutional structure and acknowledged that a “kind of anarchic situation” exists in the industry.
If the media sector is brought under a modern media commission, neither the government nor media owners would be able to control journalists, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said (19 May).
"If we can bring the media under a modern media commission with proper rules and regulations, the government will not be able to control the media, owners will not be able to misuse journalists, and no one will be able to use journalism for blackmailing," the minister made the remarks at a programme at the auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity in Dhaka's Segunbagicha.
"Establishing accountability and building an institutional framework for the media sector is now a priority for the ministry," he added.
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At the event, insurance claim cheques were handed over to the families of deceased journalists.
Swapon said the country's media sector currently lacks a proper institutional structure and acknowledged that a "kind of anarchic situation" exists in the industry. "Overall, I would rightly say that a kind of anarchic situation has been created. But the hopeful aspect is that we have been able to build a consensus among all sides."
According to the minister, discussions are ongoing with media owners, editors, television stakeholders and journalists to formulate laws and regulations ensuring professional safety and accountability.
He said some individuals misuse journalism in ways that damage the profession and create difficulties for professional journalists.
"Good journalists often tell us to define who the real journalists are," Swapon said, adding that unethical activities carried out in the name of journalism must be addressed.
Swapon stressed the need for a database to identify working journalists and ensure fair distribution of advertisements, incentives and job protections. "There has to be an authority to certify who is actually a journalist."
The minister also said accountability mechanisms should not be viewed negatively, as they help strengthen professionalism and institutional integrity. "Democracy is not limited to elections alone and governments must build institutions capable of ensuring accountability and public trust between election cycles."
