Draft Media Commission ordinance a ‘parting mockery’ of public expectations: TIB

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticised the draft National Media Commission and Broadcast Commission ordinance, describing them as a “parting mockery” of public expectations by the interim government.

In a statement issued on Saturday (January 31), TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the publication of the two draft ordinances at the final stage of the government’s tenure was disappointing, particularly after more than 10 months of inaction on implementing the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission.

He said the drafts were formulated in contradiction to public expectations and the reform commission’s proposals, with the apparent aim of imposing greater control over the media sector. Allowing only three days for public feedback, he said, amounted to a symbolic exercise and reflected the interim government’s “parting mockery”.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also cited the government’s long-standing culture of secrecy and pointed to what he termed “anti-reform manoeuvres” by certain quarters under the guise of state reform.

According to TIB, the proposed structure, status, commissioners’ ranks, and administrative and financial arrangements of the two commissions would place them largely under government—particularly bureaucratic—control, which runs counter to the goal of fostering a free and independent media and broadcasting environment.

The statement further said the interim government had failed to prevent state and non-state interference, intimidation and violence against the media during its tenure. In some cases, authorities were accused of directly or indirectly enabling such actions. TIB said the same trend is reflected in the draft ordinances.

TIB noted that many political parties contesting the upcoming election have previously faced media restrictions and have pledged support for media freedom in their election manifestos.

The organisation urged that, following the formation of a new parliament, a genuinely independent and impartial unified media commission be established through an inclusive process to ensure professional standards and create an environment conducive to free media and independent broadcasting.