Govt to urge UN to probe state of journalism in Bangladesh over past 15 years: Shafiqul

The interim government will request the United Nations to investigate the state of journalism in Bangladesh over the past 15 years, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said today (5 July).

"We're writing to the United Nations, telling them to send experts so the country can see what kind of journalism had been happening," he said. "If the issue is addressed, trust in Bangladeshi journalism will be established."

Speaking at a meeting, organised by the Broadcast Journalist Centre in Dhaka, Shafiqul said journalism during the previous government had been heavily controlled.

"The interim government is actively working to restore and uphold the principles of free and independent journalism," he added.

Stating that efforts are underway to overcome past challenges, the press secretary said, "Measures have been taken to ensure no agency can intimidate the media. The media now operates independently, with no government interference."

Shafiqul also suggested that the minimum salary for journalists should be set at Tk30,000.

At the meeting, the journalists demanded the formation of a separate commission for the broadcast media, a minimum educational qualification for journalists, and a distinct salary structure.

They also questioned why no progress has been made, even four months after the Media Reform Commission's report was published.