Editors' Council voices concern over draft media and broadcasting ordinances

The Editors' Council has expressed deep concern over the recently published draft ordinances related to the National Media Commission and the Broadcasting Commission, saying the move lacks transparency and undermines democratic norms.

In a statement issued today (1 February), signed by Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors' Council, and Dewan Hanif Mahmud, its general secretary, the council said the draft ordinances have been made available on the website of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, but the process and timing of their formulation have raised serious questions.

The council noted that with the national election approaching, the hurried publication of such important and far-reaching draft laws is both undesirable and illogical. It said ordinances with significant implications for media freedom, journalistic professionalism, and the future of the broadcasting system should not be enacted without proper discussion and review.

According to the statement, the structure and provisions of the draft ordinances indicate a clear risk of increased state control rather than safeguarding media freedom.

The council also criticised the move to complete the law-making process by seeking opinions within a limited timeframe, describing it as contrary to participatory and democratic practices.

The Editors' Council said it believes that the formulation of such crucial laws should take place only after the formation of an elected parliament and through extensive and meaningful consultations with all stakeholders, including journalists, editors, media organisations, and representatives of civil society.

Ensuring media freedom and professional safety, the council said, requires not haste but a transparent, inclusive, and accountable process, which is in the best interest of the country and democracy.