No media reform recommendations implemented: Kamal Ahmed

The Media Reform Commission Chairman Kamal Ahmed criticised the lack of progress on media reforms, stating that none of the proposed recommendations had been implemented.

He made the comment at a roundtable discussion on "Self-regulation and Complaint Management in Media" at the SIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka on Sunday (September 28).

During the discussion, he called for unrestricted freedom of expression and for the withdrawal of false cases against journalists.

Noting the murder of journalist Tuhin in Gazipur, he said, "The media outlet involved lacked proper training programmes, leaving Tuhin without self-defense training."

He stressed that the media owners should be held accountable through proper legislation if they fail to provide adequate training to their staff.

He also called for the establishment of clear qualifications for journalists, editors, and publishers.

Kamal Ahmed lamented the fact that during this government’s tenure, it was inconceivable to approve any new media outlets, despite numerous media already operating in the country.

He further alleged that none of proposed recommendations have been put into practice yet.

He also rejected the idea of reviving the half-functioning Press Council, instead advocating for a fully functional and independent institution. He warned that any government could misuse its power if allowed to do so.

In conclusion, he thanked the political parties present for pledging to support media freedom and urged them to consider and implement the proposed reforms.