Unregistered online news outlets will be closed: Arafat

Bangladesh government will shut down any online news outlet that does not possess prior media registration, does not register as an online outlet, and fails to apply for registration, says State Minister for Information Mohammad Ali Arafat.

Arafat came up with the remarks during a Meet the Press programme at the Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha on Saturday (April 20).

He said, "Our country has 213 established outlets with online versions and another 213 online outlets registered. This means a total of 426 are permitted to operate online. In addition, a list is being prepared of all of those who have applied or are in the process of applying."

Arafat did not specify the exact timing for the closure of these unregistered online news outlets.

He said, “The Right to Information Act was approved during the tenure of Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, in parliament. This legislation ensures the legal guarantee of access to information, and we aim to bolster its implementation even further."

The state minister also said, "You've requested the closure of all online news portals except for those specified. We will proceed to shut them down accordingly. However, if you apply, your portal can remain active until registration is granted. In the event of registration rejection, closure will follow."

The Ministry of Information has issued a letter to the administration, instructing them to provide information to journalists, the state minister said.

He urged the journalists gathered to publish true news stories, even if they go against the government.