State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, pledged to initiate reforms in media advertising policies during a meeting with members of the Executive Committee of Online News Portal Association Bangladesh. The discussion took place at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting`s meeting room in the secretariat on Tuesday afternoon.
Arafat emphasized the government`s stance on media regulation, stating, "The government does not seek to control or monitor the media. However, I agree with the demands of the Journalists and Online News Portal Association that some level of discipline is necessary. The registration process must be enforced."
Highlighting the importance of supporting registered online media, Arafat stated, "Registered online media outlets require incentives and assistance to promote responsible journalism and journalists."
Addressing concerns about unregistered and illegal news portals, the state minister assured, "Steps will be taken to shut down unregistered and illegal news portals in response to journalists` demands."
Acknowledging the need for order in media operations, Arafat remarked, "It`s notable that only professional journalists advocate for surveillance and control, indicating the government`s belief in free and independent media. However, with freedom comes a responsibility for discipline."
He further commended journalists for striving to uphold responsible journalism, stating, "Our journalists aspire to foster discipline and responsible journalism within the media. The government wholeheartedly supports their efforts."
The meeting was attended by prominent members of the Online News Portal Association (ONAB), including President Mollah M Amjad Hossain, Vice President Latiful Bari Hamim, and other executive committee members.
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