Staff Reporter:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said the government is going to establish an independent commission to strengthen media by ensuring press freedom.
“In the past, the government’s approach was focused only on control. But the present government is committed to ensuring overall discipline and welfare in the media under an independent legal framework in cooperation with all stakeholders, instead of imposing control,” he said.
Swapon was speaking as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting yesterday with the leaders of the convening committee of the newly formed Television Editors Council (TEC) at the ministry.
“Just as a strong Election Commission ensures transparency in voting and benefits the state, a strong me-dia commission would ultimately benefit the people,” he said.
He said government itself is one of the stakeholders of media, just as like many others outlets, owners, journalists and workers.
The government’s responsibility is to ensure a fair playing field and equal rights for all stakeholders, he mentioned.
TEC convener Dr. Abdul Hai Siddique, member secretary Zobayer Babu and newly elected council members were present.
