interim government
BTV, Betar, BSS need to be brought under one umbrella for best use of state resources
Amidst the multifaceted and multi-dimensional crisis of Bangladesh's media, the 11-member Media Reform Commission of the interim government has already submitted its report on timely and effective reforms. Under the leadership of Kamal Ahmed, the commission has made 20 recommendations on various issues including media ownership, income and expenditure, advertising market, financial security, measures regarding BTV-Betar-BSS, and the freedom and protection of media and journalists. These 20 points include several sub-points detailing various issues. Simultaneously, to implement these recommendations, the commission has also submitted a draft of the ‘Bangladesh Media Commission Ordinance: 2025’. This draft ordinance is currently under consideration by the interim government. Media stakeholders are hopeful that the proposals of this commission will soon receive legal endorsement. Rahat Minhaz, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at Jagannath University, had an in-depth discussion with Kamal Ahmed about the formation, operations, various obstacles and challenges of the commission. The interview is being published in series by Views Bangladesh. The forth part of the six-part interview is published today.
Bangladesh's advertisement market is kind of saturated market
The 11-member Media Reform Commission of the interim government has already submitted its report for the timely and effective reform of Bangladesh's media which is suffering from various multifaceted crises. Led by Kamal Ahmed, this commission has made 20 recommendations on various issues, including media ownership, income and expenditure, the advertisement market, financial security, necessary actions regarding BTV, Bangladesh Betar (radio), and BSS, as well as the freedom and protection of the press and journalists. Under these 20 recommendations, there are several sub-points where various issues have been elaborately discussed. At the same time, the commission has also submitted a draft titled 'Bangladesh Media Commission Ordinance: 2025' to implement the recommendations.
Meeting between Professor Yunus, Tarique Rahman sends message of peace
King Charles’s Harmony Award is one of the most prestigious honours in the United Kingdom. It is awarded annually in recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals in the fields of environmental conservation, traditional craftsmanship, eco-friendly businesses, and raising awareness about nature. The philosophy behind the award is rooted in King Charles’s belief: “We should work with nature, not against it.” In other words, we must coexist with nature in harmony and protect it. The award is thus based on this vision.
Why are certain officials in the republic becoming owners of huge amounts of money?
The interim government has initiated several measures to restore discipline and increase efficiency in the administration. One of these measures includes adding new provisions to the Government Service Act 2018. It is important to note that referring to public servants as government employees is inherently misleading. A state requires four essential components for its formation: sovereignty, defined territory, population, and government. Among these, the government is the most fragile and the only variable component; the rest remain constant.
If interim govt lacks authority, country's dev will be hindered
The interim government's initiative to hand over the management of one of Chattogram Port’s nine terminals to a foreign company is drawing heavy criticism. During a recent visit to Chattogram, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus remarked that since Chattogram Port lags behind global standards, its management should be entrusted to one of the world’s top companies—and the public must be made to understand the necessity of this move. The government has already selected a foreign firm: DP World, a state-owned company from the UAE. Dr Yunus has met its CEO twice, both at home and abroad. The company’s proposed responsibilities include easing port congestion, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing efficiency at Bangladesh’s primary maritime gateway.
Why citizens still worried during interim govt period
We, the common citizens, have for the first time supported an interim government without a referendum - which may be somewhat controversial according to the constitution; but in terms of reality, we have had to accept it as necessary. Because, despite 54 years of independence, Bangladesh has never been able to build a complete, effective and sustainable democratic system. Instead, lust for power, corruption, enforced disappearances and murders, rape, extortion, and administrative failures of the country's political parties for a long time have pushed the nation into a deep pit of distrust.
How easy will it be for deposed AL to make a comeback after uprising?
The Awami League, the party that led Bangladesh’s Liberation War, has been ousted from power 53 years after independence through a mass uprising—an event with at least twenty contributing factors. While conspiracy theories and accusations of foreign interference continue to circulate, there is no denying that in recent years the Awami League became increasingly disconnected from the people due to rampant corruption, partisan favoritism, and nepotism.
If interim government doesn’t set an example in reform, it won't happen again
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the caretaker government, has placed excessive emphasis on reform. He clearly stated, “Not flimsy reform, not superficial reform, but fundamental reform. We will do it in such a way that no one will be able to undo it.” He also remarked, “My only concern is reform. Debate all you want about what the reforms will be, but let’s not hold an election without reform… Don't miss this opportunity.” His words are commendable; however, they are not grounded in the realities of the situation. He dreams, but in trying to realize those dreams, he faces disillusionment. His claim that he will make reform irreversible is rooted more in emotion than in practical reality.
'Inevitable reasons' for news shutdown and journalist's dismissal
Just four days before World Press Freedom Day on May 3rd, on April 29th, what happened at three television channels in Bangladesh raised serious questions not only about the statements of the interim government's Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the former Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam but also about journalists' freedom to ask questions, their authority, and the boundaries of that freedom.
A corridor for Rakhine: What are the answers to various questions?
After the residents of Gaza, the Rohingya people of Rakhine are currently facing the most severe humanitarian crisis in the world. In the war-torn country, a famine could strike at any moment. Fearing such a catastrophe, the United Nations has requested Bangladesh to open a corridor for humanitarian aid.