TIB slams draft media ordinances as 'mockery' of free press

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) today (31 January) described the draft National Media Commission and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances as a "parting mockery" of public expectations for free media development.

The organisation said the demand for a unified, independent, and effective media commission to ensure the growth of free media and independent broadcasting has existed for years, a demand also reflected in the report of the Media Reform Commission. However, the interim government has shown no action on implementing these recommendations, even after more than ten months since the submission of that report.

At the very final stage of its tenure, the government published two draft ordinances—the National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance, aimed at establishing two new regulatory bodies. TIB expressed deep disappointment and frustration, saying the drafts contradict public expectations and the Media Reform Commission's recommendations, and appear intended to impose greater control over the media sector. Seeking public feedback within only three days, TIB said, "constitutes a parting mockery by the interim government."

The organisation also criticised the government's continuous secrecy across nearly all areas and its reform-opposing, obstructive actions carried out by certain sections under the guise of state reform.

In a statement, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, "In both cases, the proposed structure and status of the commissions, the rank and authority of the commissioners, and the administrative and financial arrangements are designed to establish two institutions that are entirely under government control, particularly under bureaucratic authority."

"This represents a mockery of the interim government's commitment to the development of free media and independent broadcasting," he added.

While the developments are disappointing, he said TIB is not surprised, noting that during the interim government's tenure, its failure to curb state and non-state control over media, acts of violence, and attempts to impose authority, including direct or indirect involvement, have been evident.

At the final stage of its tenure, Zaman said, these drafts reflect the government's adversarial stance toward media freedom. Referring to the limitations of the existing Press Council and the lack of a comparable framework for broadcast media, he noted that the Media Reform Commission recommended establishing a unified, independent Media Commission free from government control.

"However, the government has shown not the slightest consideration for this recommendation," Zaman said.

He proposed forming a single, independent media commission operating outside government authority, instead of creating two new regulatory bodies for related media and broadcasting sectors.

TIB called on the government not to hastily promulgate the two draft ordinances. The organisation also urged political parties participating in the upcoming election, many of whom have experienced control over media and broadcasting, to honour their commitments in manifestos and campaigns. Following the formation of the new parliament, they should establish a genuinely independent and impartial unified media commission, TIB said.

Such a commission, he added, would ensure the highest professional standards and create an enabling environment for the development of free media and independent broadcasting in Bangladesh.