Press Release
Dhaka, 31 January 2026: The demand for a unified, independent, and effective media commission to ensure the development of free media and independent broadcasting in Bangladesh has existed for a long time, a demand that was also reflected in the report of the Media Reform Commission. However, despite more than ten months having passed since the submission of that report, the interim government remained entirely indifferent to implementing its recommendations. Instead, at the very final stage of its tenure, the interim government has published two draft ordinances—titled the National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance—aimed at establishing two new government bodies. Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep disappointment and frustration over this move. TIB believes that the preparation of these two drafts—contrary to public expectations and the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, with the apparent objective of imposing greater control over the media sector—and seeking public opinions within only three days, constitutes a parting mockery by the interim government. At the same time, TIB identifies this move as yet another example of the interim government’s continuous practice of secrecy across nearly all areas from the outset, as well as the reform-opposing, obstructive actions carried out by certain sections of the government under the guise of state reform.
In a statement issued today, TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “In both cases, the proposed structure and status of the commissions, the rank and authority of the commissioners, and the administrative and financial arrangements are designed to establish two institutions that are entirely under government control—particularly under bureaucratic authority. This represents a mockery of the interim government’s commitment to the development of free media and independent broadcasting. While this is disappointing, we are not at all surprised, as during the tenure of the interim government its failure to curb state and non-state control over the media, acts of violence, and attempts to impose authority— and in many cases its direct and indirect role as an instigator—have been evident. At the final stage of its tenure, these two proposed drafts reflect the same adversarial stance by the government toward expectations of media freedom.”
Referring to the numerous limitations of the existing Press Council and the absence of any comparable institutional framework for the broadcast media, Dr. Zaman noted that the Media Reform Commission—based on research and consultations with relevant stakeholders—recommended the establishment of a unified, independent Media Commission free from government control. However, the government has shown not the slightest consideration for this recommendation. Instead of pursuing the short-sighted initiative of establishing two new regulatory government bodies for the interrelated media and broadcasting sectors, Dr. Zaman proposed the formation of a single, unified, and independent media commission operating outside government authority.
TIB has called on the government not to hastily promulgate the two draft ordinances. At the same time, the Executive Director of TIB has urged and expressed expectations toward the political parties participating in the upcoming election—many of whom have themselves been victims of control over free media and independent broadcasting in Bangladesh and have made strong commitments in their respective election manifestos and campaigns—that, following the formation of the new parliament, they will immediately proceed through a participatory process. Respecting their own experiences, commitments, and public expectations, they should establish a genuinely independent and impartial unified media commission. Such a commission would be capable of ensuring the highest professional standards and creating an enabling environment for the development of free media and independent broadcasting in the country.
Media Contact:
Mohammad Tauhidul Islam
Director, Outreach and Communication
Phone: +8801713107868
Email: tauhidul@ti-bangladesh.org
