‘No innocent journalist should be in prison’

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made it clear that the government does not want any innocent journalist to remain in jail, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon.

Tarique had made the remarks during a meeting with the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab), the minister said at a discussion marking World Press Freedom Day at the Tothyo Bhaban auditorium in Dhaka yesterday.

“While talking to [Noab], he [PM] said that we don’t want any journalist to remain in jail without committing a crime,” Swapon said. The meeting took place on April 21.    

Swapon also said the government will ensure, in principle and under the law, professional security for all journalists.

Defamation cases and other legal complexities will be brought under institutional management through the Press Council, he said.

He said no individual or institution in the government would dictate terms to or call any media house.

“In our election manifesto and 31-point declaration, the BNP pledged to respect impartial journalism and objective criticism. We remain committed to ensuring protection for media, journalists, and institutions,” he said.

The minister then announced plans to form a media commission based on recommendations from a consultative committee of media experts.

He proposed forming the committee, led by a media expert, to guide the creation of the commission.

“Healthy regulation is needed in the media, not control, but regulation,” he said, adding that regulatory bodies exist even in countries like the UK and the US.

He also raised concerns over the accuracy of media data, saying circulation figures and TRP ratings were often misleading.

“Against millions of TV boxes, only a few hundred devices are used to determine TRP. This is unacceptable,” he said, adding that a transparent system is needed.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, president of Noab and editor-in-chief of Manab Zamin, said media freedom is constrained in a politically polarised environment.

He warned against growing self-censorship and political pressure on editorial choices, citing experiences from talk shows and past cases of harassment of broadcasters.

He also urged a review of blanket murder charges and arbitrary detentions of journalists, calling for consideration of bail and legal fairness.

Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim said democracy and the rule of law require media freedom, alongside accountability and responsibility.

BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, and Independent Television Chief News Editor Mostofa Akmal also spoke at the event.

Dhaka University Professor SM Shameem Reza delivered the keynote, while PIB Director General Faruk Wasif moderated the discussion.