Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday called for an honest and critical assessment of the state of journalism during more than 15 years of the Awami League rule and emphasised the need for a fresh start aimed at rebuilding public trust in Bangladesh's media landscape.
“We are not discussing the kind of journalism we had during that period. I believe there should be an honest conversation about it,” Alam said while speaking at a discussion organised by the Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) in the capital.
He said the government is reaching out to the United Nations, seeking expert involvement to evaluate the journalistic standards of the past decade and a half.
“We are writing to the United Nations, asking them to send experts so the people can understand what kind of journalism prevailed during those years. It's a critical area that must be addressed,” he said, adding that restoring trust in journalism is only possible through sincere efforts in this regard.
Alam acknowledged that individuals are entitled to their political ideologies, but stressed the importance of avoiding misinformation.
“Anyone can pursue a political ideology but the question is whether that individual is providing any misinformation. Truly, we are also thinking of the failures (in the past). A new journey is needed - one that leaves those failures behind,” he added.
Want to return to journalism, says Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam
The Press Secretary also questioned whether media outlets had taken their own shortcomings seriously. “Have we made sincere efforts to address our journalistic failures?” he asked.
BJC Chairman Rezwanul Haque Raza, representatives from various media organisations and members of the Media Reform Commission were, among others, present.
The BJC Chairman said it is not possible to have independent journalism in Bangladesh unless the financial security of journalists is ensured.
Fahim Ahmed, a trustee of BJC and CEO of Jamuna Television, addressed the Press Secretary and asked him to give importance to the proposals of the Reform Commission that can be implemented quickly.
Fahim also called for giving utmost importance to the issues of interest of journalists and the media.
The BJC proposed a comprehensive law to ensure all kinds of security, including financial, for journalists and media workers.
The BJC said the broadcast media have been given less importance in the report of the Media Reform Commission, according to a media release.
It believes that newspapers and broadcast media are two types of media, and a uniform salary structure for them is not consistent.
The organisation also said separate provisions should be added to the Labour Act for newspapers and broadcast media.
Demanding the formulation of a ‘Code of Ethics’ for journalists, the BJC said the organisation is ready to assist the relevant authorities in this regard.