United News of Bangladesh

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said the government is planning to introduce a law to ensure the safety of journalists, emphasising the need for accountability in the media sector. “Accountability is essential for protecting the interests of journalists,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "‘Brave New Bangladesh: Reform Roadmap for Press Freedom'’ held at the TIB office in Dhanmondi. The event was jointly organised by UNESCO Dhaka Office, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), and the Embassy of Sweden. Govt takes multiple initiatives to enhance BFDC'S capacity: Adviser Mahfuj “We want to introduce a journalist safety law. We are also exploring the possibility of merging three public media entities—BTV, Bangladesh Betar, and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)—and ensuring the autonomy of radio and television,” Mahfuj said. Journalists should have the opportunity to ask questions, he said adding that journalists can also face questions. "Members of parliament can be asked, officials of the judiciary can be asked, intelligence agencies can be asked,” he said adding “but journalists cannot be asked—I don't want this to happen." Mahfuj  said, "Those who are policymakers in the media, from where their news or opinions are generated, should definitely have the opportunity to ask questions." He said a reassessment of media licenses, updating the list of registered media outlets, and adjusting advertisement rates in line with inflation is also under consideration. Highlighting irregularities in media taxation, he remarked, “You may be surprised to know that apart from one or two media houses, the rest do not pay taxes. Most operate based on political arrangements.” He noted that a proposal is underway to form an information commission and that finalising the broadcast policy is also a priority. Mahfuj bats for journalists' code of conduct “Without political consensus, media freedom cannot be ensured. We can enact ten good laws, but if the political leadership doesn’t uphold them, they won’t serve their purpose,” he added. Referring to the role of local journalists, Mahfuz Alam said, “We need local journalists to understand the situation across the country. But we don’t need 30 to 40 newspapers in one area. We want to initiate dialogue to define standard practices and ensure protection for local journalists.” He further mentioned his personal interest in journalism saying, “I once aspired to be a journalist myself. We want to adopt all possible positive approaches for the sector.” Chief of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed spoke as the keynote speaker while ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks, head of UNESCO Office in Dhaka Dr. Susan Vize were present as the guest of honour. Executive Director of TIB Iftekharuzzaman moderated the discussion session.  

Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Thursday asked the aggrieved persons to lodge cases soon over the attacks on shrines and cultural events as the government has taken a firm stance against such offences. “We won’t spare anyone here. We’ve committed to taking strong steps in this regard,” he told a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after a meeting of the Council of Advisers, held at the Chief Adviser's Office with CA Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair. The adviser said attacks on different shrines and cultural events such as Mazar, Qawwali, and song events were seen at various places in Bangladesh since August 5 last. “It has not been possible to take clear action in many cases regarding these attacks. We’re regretful for this,” he said. July Declaration may not be on Jan 15, says Adviser Mahfuj He, however, said the government will take firm measures against such attacks. About the attack on the Qawwali event and shrine in Mymensingh on Wednesday's night, he said the government is taking steps against the Mymensingh incident. Govt to announce dearness allowance by June 30:  Senior Secretary He said the government is collecting information over the attacks that took place in the last five months since August 5, 2024. “We would like to tell those who are aggrieved to file cases quickly and we will take actions (against responsible persons),” said Mahfuj. CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, CA's deputy press secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present.

Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Thursday said that the declaration of the July Revolution might not be made on January 15 as previously planned, as additional time is needed to achieve broader consensus. “We want to make it an inclusive and unified document,” he told a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy after a meeting of the Council of Advisers, held at the Chief Adviser's Office with CA Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Mahfuj, however, said the declaration would not face significant delays and would be made once wider agreement is reached. “There was a demand from students to announce it on January 15. Since the government wants to talk to all (stakeholders), it (timeframe) may be extended for some time. But it will not be too late,” he said. No attackers of shrines, cultural events to be spared: Adviser Mahfuj He said the government will take a decision next week when and how the declaration will be made. Mahfuj Alam said the government thinks if the declaration is made on part of the students without reaching a wider consensus, the current unity and stability may be hampered. “We want to make it an inclusive and unified document,” he said. The Adviser said the dialogue with political parties and other stakeholders of the July uprising will start next week. He said the government has taken the responsibility to formulate a document in consultation with all stakeholders of the July uprising – not only political parties but also other stakeholders. “We expect that the dialogues (with political parties and other stakeholders) will start and complete next week,” Mahfuj said. 3 committees formed to advise recruitment, transfers of senior officials He said the government will also have talks with socio-cultural organisations and teachers associations alongside the political parties. “But we cannot sit with and talk to everyone. We will talk formally and informally." The adviser asked the students to show restraint and be patient for some days. Noting that the students have already given a proposal for the declaration, he said, the government will not issue the declaration but is facilitating the declaration and its process. “The declaration will come based on everyone's consensus ---Based on the consensus of all political parties, and cultural and social organizations,” he said. “The government is not issuing any declaration on its own. Rather the proclamation will be prepared and announced based on the students' proposals and everyone's consensus,” said Mahfuj Alam. BFA plays important role in preserving country’s history: Adviser Nahid CA’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, deputy press secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were present.