TIB Criticises Draft Media Ordinances as ‘Mockery’ of Press

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Saturday criticised the draft National Media Commission and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances, describing them as a “parting mockery” of public expectations for free media development.

TIB noted that the demand for a unified, independent, and effective media commission has existed for years, a need also highlighted in the report of the Media Reform Commission. However, the interim government has shown no interest in implementing these recommendations, more than ten months after the report’s submission.

At the end of its tenure, the interim government published two draft ordinances—the National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance—to establish new government bodies. TIB expressed deep disappointment, saying the drafts appear aimed at increasing government control over the media, with a mere three-day window for public feedback, which TIB calls a “mockery” of public expectation.

TIB also criticised the government for its longstanding secretive practices and obstructionist actions under the guise of state reform.

In a statement, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, “The proposed structures, the authority of commissioners, and administrative and financial arrangements are designed to place both commissions entirely under government, particularly bureaucratic, control. This undermines any commitment to free media and independent broadcasting.”

He added that this was unsurprising, given the interim government’s record of failing to prevent state and non-state control of the media, acts of violence, and attempts to assert authority during its tenure.

Highlighting the limitations of the existing Press Council and the absence of a framework for broadcast media, Iftekharuzzaman recalled that the Media Reform Commission recommended a single, independent media commission free from government control. The government, however, ignored this advice.

TIB urged the government not to rush the promulgation of the two draft ordinances. The organisation also called on political parties participating in the upcoming election to respect their election commitments and public expectations by establishing a genuinely independent, unified media commission once the new parliament is formed.

According to TIB, such a commission would ensure professional standards and create an environment conducive to the growth of free and independent media in Bangladesh.