Patchwork approach to forming media, broadcast commissions is dangerous: Kamal Ahmed

Former head of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed has termed the interim government's initiative to form a broadcast commission and a media commission in the name of media reform as "patchwork," warning that it could prove dangerous for the future.

Speaking at a discussion meeting on media self-regulation today (28 January), Kamal Ahmed said the government appears to be rushing at the last moment to show that it is doing or has done a lot. This patchwork or stitching-up method can invite major trouble."

He said that forming new commissions while keeping existing bodies like the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) and the Press Council intact would create overlapping responsibilities, conflicts, and unnecessary complications.

Kamal Ahmed said the government has prepared draft laws for both a broadcast and media commission. The draft for the broadcast one has already been published on a website, and the draft of the latter may be released soon. However, he believes that keeping the existing BTRC and Press Council while forming new commissions will not lead to effective solutions.

He said, "A broadcast commission is being formed while keeping the BTRC. As a result, there will be overlap in licensing and content regulation. Similarly, if a media commission is formed while keeping the Press Council, the question will remain – who will handle journalistic disputes, the Press Council or the commission?"

Kamal Ahmed said it is essential to build self-regulation from within the media instead of imposing control through the government or external pressure. For this, he stressed the need for clear editorial policies, transparency, and accountability in every media outlet.

Kamal Ahmed also identified misinformation on social media and bot-driven campaigns as major threats. He said it is dangerous to treat artificially manufactured public opinion on social media as a reflection of real public opinion.

He further said transparency in media investment and sources of income must be ensured. "There is no reason to believe that all money comes through halal means. The soft power of the media is often being misused," he commented.

Criticising the role of the Press Council sharply, he described its failure to issue any statement following recent attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo as a failure. In his view, media freedom cannot be protected by any institution that is dependent on the Ministry of Information.

He said the Press Council should be abolished and replaced with an independent self-regulatory framework involving owners, editors, journalists, and civil society.