Code of conduct for journalism being drafted soon: Information Adviser

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said a clear code of conduct and regulatory framework for journalism is being drafted, as the rapid expansion of online and digital media platforms has made such guidelines necessary to ensure professional standards and accountability.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a session of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the DC Conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Wednesday, May 6.

The adviser said online-based media can now be launched very easily, and there is a clear lack of a regulatory framework, which even journalists themselves acknowledge. He noted that district administrators have also expressed the need for clear standards and a code of conduct for journalists to facilitate better coordination between the administration and the media at the field level.

The Information and Broadcasting Adviser said the government is already working on drafting a code of conduct for newspapers and journalists in consultation with stakeholders and plans to implement it soon. Earlier in July 2025, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam had told UNESCO that a code of conduct was being developed through discussions with stakeholders.

Speaking on the government's transparency policy, the adviser noted that unlike the past practice of withholding information, the current democratically elected government intends to move away from such tendencies.

"We have seen a tendency to conceal information in the past. This government will not do that," he said.

Tackling rumours and disinformation, the adviser announced that a project has already been initiated to strengthen fact-checking activities. Under this project, information infrastructure at the district level will be integrated and training will be provided to align it with new digital realities.

The government has already formed a task force to reform the newspaper circulation auditing system, and a draft ordinance to protect journalists' rights is also being prepared. Other media-related reform initiatives are expected to be implemented in the coming months.