Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed concern over the recently approved National Online Mass Media Guideline, saying it fails to clearly define online media.
TIB issued a press release regarding the statement on Thursday, also asking the National Broadcast Commission be an independent and neutral body set up transparently.
The watchdog criticised the sole responsibility of implementing the policy residing with the Ministry of Information. It also asked that universally acceptable experts be consulted and the National Broadcast Commission formed with them.
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TIB asked the Cabinet to suspend the implementation of the policy until a new commission was formed.
“Labelling every organisation registered in Bangladesh as online news media is illogical. It is imperative that the definition of online news media is clear and not vague,” Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, said in the press release.
Dr Iftekharuzzaman expressed his fear of the policy and the commission becoming a deterrent to free speech and contradicting the Constitution of Bangladesh.
On June 19, the Cabinet Division approved the draft of the National Online Mass Media Guideline containing the provision that the country’s online news media will be regulated by the National Broadcast Commission.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
