Intelligence agencies were root of controlling the media: Press secretary

In the past, intelligence agencies played a major role in controlling the freedom of the media, said Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary to the chief adviser of the interim government.

He said, "We have to move away from that position. We have to ensure that state intelligence agencies cannot interfere in the media in the future."

He made these remarks at a discussion on the recommendations over media reform at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Friday (January 17). An organiation called 'We Want Fascism-Free Media' presented 13-point proposals for media reform.

The press secretary said, “The intelligence agencies - DGFI and NSI - were the ones who silenced journalists during dictator Sheikh Hasina’s reign. To prevent a fascist system from being created in the future, editors and reporters who supported fascist regime should be removed.”

Shafiqul Alam said, "A media reform commission has been formed. They will monitor the entire country and submit a report. We will sit for discussions after receiving the report."

He said, "Basic and minimum salaries should be fixed to address the issue of not paying proper salaries to journalists. Copyright enforcement is also very important. All journalists should speak out strongly on this issue."