Info Minister: Unethical activities under guise of mobile journalism unacceptable
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan. Image taken from video footage.
The government has taken initiatives to set minimum educational qualifications for journalists and to introduce a journalist registration system similar to the Bar Council. At the same time, unethical activities carried out under the guise of mobile journalism are not acceptable. These remarks were made by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today, Wednesday, while responding to a question from NCP Member of Parliament Hasnat Abdullah during the question-and-answer session in the National Parliament, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
The Information Minister stated that the government is committed to ensuring media freedom, professionalism, accountability, and responsible journalism. The government does not support unauthorized, unprofessional, or unethical activities carried out in the name of mobile journalism. To this end, a proposal has been made to amend the Press Council Act of 1974 to make it more modern and to transform the Press Council into a stronger and more effective institution.
He informed that the proposed amendments include provisions for determining the minimum educational qualifications for journalists, introducing a journalist registration system similar to the Bar Council, imposing penalties including financial fines for publishing false, harassing, or unethical news, and empowering the Press Council to conduct suo moto investigations and take necessary actions in cases of rumors, fake news, hate speech, or the publication of news against national interests.
In response to a question from Mohammad Zahirul Islam, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-16, the Minister said that the gazette of the 9th Newspaper Wage Board award has been implemented in Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) from the date of its publication. However, due to disagreements between journalists and newspaper owners regarding income tax payment, the 9th Newspaper Wage Board has not been fully implemented. Several writ petitions concerning the implementation of the Wage Board are currently pending in the High Court.
Replying to a question from Selina Sultana, Member of Parliament for the reserved women's seats, the Information Minister said that the government is considering reviewing the policy regarding advertising in electronic media, including necessary amendments, revisions, and enhancements, aiming to adapt to the changing technological environment, the development of digital broadcasting systems, the expansion of online and OTT platforms, and alignment with international standards.
In response to a question from Arifa Sultana Ruma, a Member of Parliament for a reserved seat, Zahir Uddin Swapan commented that necessary measures are taken regarding the promotion and publication of content on podcasts, blogging, and influencer-based digital platforms under existing laws, rules, and regulations. A review is underway to formulate a modern policy framework that balances the rapid development of digital media, technological changes, and the freedom of expression with the public interest.
Replying to a question from Moktar Ali, Member of Parliament for Jashore-6, the Minister informed that a total of 3,338 newspapers are registered in Bangladesh. Among these, there are 1,436 dailies, 1,231 weeklies, 452 monthlies, 215 fortnightlies, and 54 publications of other frequencies, including semi-weekly, bimonthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annual publications.
