The government is opening media infrastructure for anti-fascist voices, and no media outlet will be shut down under the current administration, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists at the Secretariat ahead of a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO), he said new media will also be approved to ensure diverse voices in the country’s media landscape.
Mahfuz Alam said, “The policy of this government is that no media will be closed. We are creating space for the new generation, who have taken part in the people’s movement and oppose fascism. This is why we are approving new media outlets.”
He added that the approval of new channels is based on existing rules and regulations. “If a new law were in place, it would have been easier to approve new media,” he said, noting that the goal is to foster competitive and pluralistic media.
The adviser also emphasized the need for self-regulation in media. He said the government does not want to impose strict control, but media outlets must remain accountable to the public. UNESCO has advised that a code of conduct for media self-regulation will be prepared by November.
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On the journalists’ protection law, Mahfuz Alam said, “The law will definitely be passed. It is my top priority, and I am working to ensure it is implemented effectively with input from all stakeholders.”
Regarding online media and IP-based TV channels operating without registration, he said the ministry, in coordination with the Information and Communication Technology Division, has been reviewing the sector for the past two months. He added that a new policy framework is being prepared to regulate online content while ensuring transparency for the public.
Mahfuz Alam acknowledged challenges posed by untraceable fake accounts and overseas media outlets but said the government will bring as many platforms as possible under a coordinated policy framework.