Media Reforms Not Election-Centric, But Democracy-Oriented

Media Commission chief Kamal Ahmed has an exchange of ideas with representatives of the Media Freedom Coalition on Thursday

Dhaka, January 23: Media Reforms Commission Chief Kamal Ahmed said that the commission is working for sustainable media reforms, which are not only election-centered but will be part of a strong democratic framework. He said that the Media Freedom Coalition is an alliance of democratic states working together to promote media freedom internationally.

He said this at a view-sharing meeting of the Media Reforms Commission with representatives of the Media Freedom Coalition at the Information Bhaban Conference Room on Circuit House Road in Dhaka today.

The commission chief thanked the Media Freedom Coalition for taking a stand against the unwanted attacks on the media during the rule of the ousted dictator. He expressed hope that the Media Freedom Coalition would continue to support them in protecting the rights of journalists in the future.

Representatives of the embassies of the member countries of the Media Freedom Coalition in Dhaka participated in the discussion meeting and wanted to know about various issues of media reforms. The commission was asked whether the commission would have any role in combating the risk of disinformation and fake news. They also wanted to know whether political parties would be given the opportunity to participate in media reforms.

At this time, the commission head informed the representatives of the Media Freedom Coalition that a reliable reform proposal would be presented within the stipulated time after discussing with the partners publishers, editors, journalists, radio and television owners and the general public-viewers-listeners who are related to the media. People from all sections of the society, including political parties, have also been invited to present their observations and reform proposals related to the media. In response to a question from another member of the delegation, he said that the commission is considering whether insurance assistance can be provided for the safety of journalists as per the government law.

The discussion was attended by Commission members Shamsul Haque Zahid, Akhtar Hossain Khan, Begum Kamrunnesa Hasan, Fahim Ahmed, Jimmy Amir, Mr. Mostafa Sabuj, Titu Dutta Gupta, Abdullah Al Mamun and representatives of the Media Freedom Coalition Stephen F Ibelli, U.S Embassy, Dhaka, Vanessa Beaumont, British High Commission, Dhaka, Michiko UEDA, Japan Embassy, Dhaka, Lara Adams, Australian High Commission, Dhaka, Siobhan Ken, Canadian High Commission, Dhaka, Paola Castro Neiderstanm Sweden Embassy, Dhaka, Cor Stouten, Netherlands Embassy, Dhaka, Eamilie Palahouane, France Embassy, Dhaka, Ali Sohel Ibn Switzerland Embassy, Dhaka and officials from embassies and high commissions of various countries. – PID Handout