The media’s long-standing failure to uphold its democratic duty has enabled electoral fraud, weakened institutions, and fostered impunity, warned leading civil society figures and government officials.
Such remarks were made at a roundtable in Dhaka on Thursday.
Electoral Reform Commission Chief Badiul Alam Majumdar delivered a stark assessment of the past 16-17 years, pointing to what he described as a “shameful pattern of media politicization.”
Drawing on findings from a Media Reform Commission report, Badiul pointed out that several television licenses were granted based on political loyalty rather than journalistic merit.
“In one instance, a single applicant sought licenses for ten TV channels, each designed to echo government ideology,” he said.
He further said multiple alarming incidents over the past 16–17 years that paint a grim picture of partisan influence over the media.
“One journalist reportedly applied for licenses for 10 different TV channels, pledging to broadcast content aligned with government ideology,” he said.
He added: “A member of the Bangabandhu Sainik League even proposed a TV channel in 2008 solely to promote the ruling party’s digital vision.”
“This is the kind of media we’ve been witnessing for 16 years. It has directly influenced elections and played a destructive role in democracy,” Badiul said.
“This is how media licenses were weaponized. We’ve seen the consequences unfold across three disputed elections,” Badiul added.
He further said: “Instead of holding power to account, media helped legitimize it—and democracy suffered.”
He further noted that two former election commissioners involved in controversial polls are now behind bars.
“This is not a coincidence,” he warned, adding that a robust, independent press is essential to any future credible election.
Joining the discussion, Law Adviser Prof Asif Nazrul offered a rare glimpse into the toxic dynamics behind the scenes of Bangladesh’s interim government.
“Reject an unjust lobbying request, and suddenly you’re labelled a foreign agent,” he said.
He added: “They bring up things from 40 years ago, fabricate shows, and call you everything from traitor to Indian stooge.”
Despite the relentless defamation campaigns, the law adviser said he has not taken legal action. “We’ve left it to the conscience of the people,” he said, referring to himself and fellow advisers, including Muhammad Yunus and Shafiqul Alam.
Nazrul admitted feeling “more powerless than ever” since joining the interim government.
“We can’t stop false cases. We can’t even intervene when journalists are arrested, because we have no legal standing,” he added.
Still, he rejected the idea that cases against journalists are exceptional. “They are regrettable—but sadly, not unusual in the context of Bangladesh’s broken justice system,” he said.
At the event, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam conceded that the government had erred in cancelling accreditation cards for Secretariat journalists.
“It was a mistake,” he said, though he was quick to defend the overall record: “Nearly 600 journalists still have access. They’re reporting freely. The process has just slowed.”
Shafiqul confirmed that a committee has been formed to accelerate the issuance of new press cards, based on earlier recommendations.
“Once fully implemented, this should restore both access and trust,” he said.