Objective, accountable media is essential for national interest: Rizwana

Objective and accountable media is indispensable for the national interest, Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today (7 September).

Speaking at a meeting on reviewing the report of the Media Reform Commission in a city hotel, Rizwana said the government has already formed a committee to implement the recommendations submitted by the Media Reform Commission.

The committee consists of five advisers who are reviewing not only the commission's recommendations but also various relevant issues, she added. 

She opined that the mass media will be sustainable only if public confidence and acceptability increases.

She further said that an objective media is one of the expectations of the caretaker government. Media must create a space for accountability in the interest of the nation.

"Sustainability in the media will only come when public trust and acceptance increase. Therefore, for the sake of democracy, the media must remain objective and accountable," she added.

She continued that true sustainability cannot be achieved through superficial changes in written policies only. "Rather, deeper psychological transformation is required."

Recognising the vital role of press freedom, she said the government has established a dedicated Media Commission and efforts are going on to compile a summary of its recommendations and to chart a clear roadmap for their implementation.

She went on, saying key topics under active discussion include enhancing journalists' professionalism, fostering self-regulation, promoting unity within the media sector, and empowering the media to contribute meaningfully to the national economy.

The adviser said that the government has taken a firm stance against mob justice and is bringing those involved under the purview of the law.

At the same time, she highlighted the importance of ethics, responsibility, and public trust in the media. 

She said that if all stakeholders come together to implement the Media Reform Commission's recommendations, it will ensure sustainability. The government will provide support, but the responsibility of maintaining its durability lies with the media itself, she added.

Executive Director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) Barrister Sara Hossain addressed the event as special guest, with Trustee of the Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) Sayed Ahmed in the chair.

Member Secretary of the BJC Elias Hossain and Country Director of BBC Media Action Md. Al Mamun also spoke at the event.

The keynote paper was presented by Executive Member Golam Parvez Reza. Representatives from various media outlets and media organisations took part in an open discussion.