Experts seek absolute media freedom, journalists' protection in Bangladesh

Speakers at a dialogue today (6 August) emphasised the importance of media freedom and the need for quality journalism free from personal or political bias.

They pointed out that harassment, tagging and fascist tactics continue to persist, even in an environment with relatively freer media.

The discussion also highlighted the need for empowering journalists with absolute, not ad-hoc freedom, along with dignity and financial security, stressing that this would help keep journalists free from greed or partisan pressures.

The speakers urged the interim government to take concrete steps towards these goals during its remaining six months in office.

The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) hosted the informative dialogue session at CIRDAP Auditorium to discuss reforms related to the mass media.

Head of the Constitution Reform Commission and Vice Chairman of National Consensus Commission Dr Ali Riaz, Editor-in-chief of daily Manab Zamin Matiur Rahman Chowdhury joined the discussion as the guests of honour.

Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Executive President, Gono Forum; SM Shameem Reza, Prof of Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka; Parvez Karim Abbasi, Executive Director, CGS; Rezwanul Haque Raja, Editor-in-Chief, Maasranga Television and Chairman, Trustee Board, Broadcast Journalist Center; Reaz Ahmad, Acting Editor, Dhaka Tribune; Dr Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, Convener, BNP Media Cell; Asif Bin Ali, PhD Candidate, Georgia State University, Atlanta, US; Mahbub Morshed, Chief Editor and Managing Director of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS); Mahmuda Habiba, Member, BNP Media Cell and Joint Secretary General, Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal; Kazi Jesin, freelance journalist ; Manjurul Islam, Executive Editor, Bangladesh Pratidin; Zahid Newaz Khan, senior journalist; Barrister Shihab Uddin Khan, advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh also spoke at the discussion moderated by CGS President Zillur Rahman.

Ali Riaz said first, they must talk about the freedom of the media, and they need to understand who they mean by 'media'.

"Sometimes I ask journalists: stand in front of a mirror and ask yourself, are you a journalist or a politician?" he said, referring to the kind of journalism that the country witnessed during the July movement.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said the unhealthy politics also engulfed them and media cannot function freely if it does not get free from politics or political bias.

"Now, you are saying I am free. Yes, we are free. But we are free when it goes in your favour. If it goes against you, I have worries that I might become a target of mob violence," he said, adding that many journalists lost jobs and the union bodies did not point it out.

"Today, we find ourselves in a crisis. We had high expectations from (Chief Adviser) Prof Muhammad Yunus in relation to the government," Chowdhury said.

He said there was no need to take 12 or 18 months and the recommendations being presented for media reform - if these are the ones they rely on, then not just for the next ten years, even in the next hundred years, they will never be implemented.

Zillur Rahman said a five-member committee has been formed by the government to ensure autonomy for Bangladesh Betar and Television, and a new committee for the Press Council has also been announced, along with several other committees.

"However, in reality, these committees have not been able to accomplish anything effective. There has been much talk about media reform, and the Chief Adviser has given direct instructions on the matter, but what we have seen in practice is that not much has happened," he said.

Subrata Chowdhury said journalists working in media houses do not receive proper salaries and benefits. "So how can we expect quality journalism or feel proud of those who represent it? To me, the independence of the judiciary and the freedom of the media now seem like a golden bowl made of stone, an impossible paradox," he said.

Shameem Reza said the issue of self-regulation, being strongly emphasised, does that mean they are assuming journalists will not receive any other legal protections. "Will the injustices they face, the pressures they endure, not be addressed? Are we simply going to rely on self-regulation alone? It must not be like that," he said.

Parvez Karim said, "Is the media truly free now, one year after the Monsoon Revolution? While it may not be completely free, it is undeniably freer to a significant extent."

He, however, said, harassment, tagging, or fascist tactics whatever they call them persist. "Criticism is ingrained in our Bengali identity, yet we struggle to accept it. This is reflected in the media as well. Even if you offer constructive criticism of the government, you may face backlash on social media or other platforms, and various pressure groups may emerge against you."

Rezwanul Haque said after the Media Commission submitted its report, the commission's head, Kamal Ahmed, presented a 15-point summary at the request of the Chief Adviser, which could have been implemented immediately.

"One of the key proposals was to dissolve the Press Council and establish a Press Commission. Unfortunately, that recommendation was ignored, and instead, the Press Council was restructured," he said.

Reaz Ahmad said the Bangladesh Press Council has almost become a non-existent institution, which is deeply unfortunate. "Had it not been so, incidents like the arrest of ordinary people under the ICT Act, the Digital Security Act, and the Cyber Security Act would not have occurred."

Asif Bin Ali said in terms of media control, they see that political parties are operating from a political economy standpoint.

"They do not consider who is in power or who is outside of it. Perhaps Salman F Rahman or Mosaddek Hossain Falu are no longer involved, but in a few days, we may see new names emerge," he said.

Mahbub Morshed said, "How did something as crucial as the Wage Board get excluded from the agenda of such a major Media Reform Commission? Not only was it left out, but in an unethical move to bypass it, they proposed implementing the ninth grade of government service as the starting salary for journalists."

"I believe one of the biggest scams of the Media Reform Commission is its complete disregard for journalists' rights, protections, job security, especially financial security. The report was crafted to serve corporate interests and the agenda of a particular group. Legal protection for journalists wasn't even considered, let alone financial security," he added.

Mahmuda Habiba said journalists need financial incentives and the media organizations should be encouraged to support them for the risky nature of their work.

He said the Media Commission must have the authority to enforce its laws.