Information Adviser Mahfuz Alam has emphasized the need for holding journalists accountable alongside other sectors of society. “We can question members of parliament, judges, and intelligence agencies—so why not journalists?” he said. “I do not support the idea that journalists should be beyond scrutiny.”
He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Brave New Bangladesh: Reform Roadmap for Press Freedom", held on Sunday at the MIDAS Center in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The event was jointly organized by UNESCO’s Dhaka office, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), and the Swedish Embassy in observance of World Press Freedom Day.
Mahfuz Alam stressed that media leadership and content sources should also be open to public questioning.
Voicing support for the proposal to merge state-run media outlets—BTV, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), and Bangladesh Betar—into a single broadcasting entity, he said, “I am in favor of consolidating the three institutions. However, the issue of autonomy will require further discussion.”
He also commented on the proposed Journalism Protection Act, suggesting it could be implemented promptly. “The `One House One Media` policy outlined by the Media Reform Commission is a long-term goal,” he said. “Right now, we need to engage with the commission on specific clauses of the Journalism Protection Act, identify any potential gaps at the policy level, and then proceed to submit it to the cabinet for approval as legislation.”
Backing the Reform Commission’s call to revise the advertisement rate structure, Mahfuz Alam added, “We’ve discussed the rate increase with the Department of Films and Publications (DFP). However, those who defrauded the state by falsely reporting 100,000 or even 200,000 advertisements—when the actual number was under 2,000—will be exposed.”
The seminar also featured contributions from Media Reforms Commission Chair Kamal Ahmed, AFP Bureau Chief Sheikh Sabiha Alam, BJC Chairperson Rezyanul Haque Raja, and Times Media Group Chairman and Managing Director AK Azad. The event was moderated by TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman.
