Leading editors, media owners, academics and journalists on Saturday urged the establishment of an independent Media Commission to address what they described as a deepening crisis in Bangladesh’s media sector, marked by shrinking revenues, declining credibility, weak accountability and deteriorating professional standards.
The call came at a strategic consultation titled “Media Commission: Expectations from the Government”, jointly organized by the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) and the Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) at The Daily Star Centre in Dhaka, with support from International Media Support (IMS), Denmark. The event was part of MRDI’s five-year action plan (2025–2030) on media reform advocacy.
Participants said the commission should be formed through consultations with stakeholders and citizens, balancing press freedom with accountability while safeguarding journalistic quality, improving working conditions and ensuring safety. BLAST’s Sara Hossain presented a legal analysis of the proposed law, noting fragmented oversight and challenges including misinformation, poor safety standards and declining trust. MRDI’s Hasibur Rahman said a strong commission would be a crucial step toward meaningful reform, pointing to government pledges for an accountable regulatory framework.
Former Media Reform Commission head Kamal Ahmed warned that without stakeholder participation and clear accountability mechanisms, any new body would fail. He stressed editorial independence and adherence to international standards of ethics and transparency.
Other speakers, including Prothom Alo’s Lazzat Enab Mohsi and Dhaka University’s Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, emphasized enforcement, financial independence and autonomy from political influence. ATCO’s Abdus Salam questioned the feasibility of funding the commission through 1% of media revenues, while editors Shahed Muhammad Ali and Shakhawat Liton highlighted the need for stronger self-regulation and lessons from the shortcomings of the Press Council.
The consultation drew senior editors and executives from leading newspapers, television channels and international media organizations.
