Information ministry to draft ordinance to protect journalists' rights
The ordinance will be formulated in consultation with relevant stakeholders and is expected to be enacted within a short timeframe
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken a decision to draft an ordinance in order to protect the rights of journalists.
The decision to draft an ordinance is part of the information ministry's plan to implement a series of significant reform initiatives concerning journalists and media institutions, based on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission.
The ministry made the announcement in a press release issued today (10 July), saying that these reforms will be implemented soon.
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According to the release, a key initiative includes drafting an ordinance to protect the rights of journalists. The ordinance will be formulated in consultation with relevant stakeholders and is expected to be enacted within a short timeframe.
Additionally, a task force will be formed to reform the system of auditing newspaper circulation, and steps will be taken to increase newspaper advertisement rates to more reasonable levels.
In line with the commission's suggestions, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) will conduct an annual survey to assess public expectations and satisfaction regarding the media.
The ministry will also consult with the Bangladesh Competition Commission to evaluate and address any possible collusion or anti-competitive practices within the advertising industry.
Furthermore, discussions with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) are underway to consider exempting columnists, contributors, artists, and guest presenters or discussants in the media from advance income tax on their honorarium payments.
The press release also includes a preliminary decision to lift the mandatory requirement for television channels to use Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) for uplink and downlink services.
A final decision on this matter will be made following consultations with BSCL, the release said.
Meanwhile, measures will be taken to modernise the curriculum of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) and the National Institute of Mass Communication, as well as enhance their institutional capacities.
The government has also taken a preliminary decision to establish a BCS Information Academy to provide training to information service officers, the release said.
