Dhaka, Mar 22 (V7N)- The Media Reform Commission has submitted its report to Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus, outlining 20 recommendations aimed at strengthening media independence, transparency, and financial security.

The report was handed over on Saturday afternoon at the state guest house Jamuna by Commission Chairman Kamal Ahmed and other members. Later, Ahmed briefed the media on the key proposals.

1. Public Ownership for Large Media Outlets: To reduce monopoly control, large media houses should be converted into public companies, with employees as shareholders.

2. Regulating Media Ownership: An organization can own a media outlet, but individual single ownership should be discouraged.

3. Autonomy for State Media: Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar (Radio) should be merged into a National Broadcasting Institution governed by an independent board.

4. Reforming BSS: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) should be merged with the National Broadcasting Corporation to prevent it from being used as a political rehabilitation center.

5. Legal Protection for Journalism: A draft ordinance for media protection has been submitted with the report.

6. Abolition of Press Council: The existing Press Council should be replaced with a National Media Commission, which will oversee print, radio, and television media.

7. Financial Security for Journalists: Journalists should receive salaries comparable to BCS ninth grade officers, with additional Dhaka allowances for those working in the capital.

8. Preventing Corruption in Journalism: Journalists should not be advertising agents, and financial vulnerabilities that lead to corruption must be addressed.

9. Regulating Government Ads & TRP Ratings: Fraud in government advertisement allocation and TRP ratings should be eliminated to protect credible news outlets.

10. Government Support for Ethical Journalism: The government should ensure that quality newspapers, television, and radio can thrive in a competitive and transparent environment.

The Commission expects the interim government and future elected governments to implement these reforms. Additional short-term recommendations will be submitted to the Chief Advisor in the next two days for immediate action.

The Media Reform Commission was formed in November 2024 to strengthen media independence and professionalism. It is one of five reform commissions, with others focusing on constitutional, judicial, electoral, public administration, police, and anti-corruption reforms.

The commission consists of notable academics, media representatives, and journalists, including:

  • Prof. Giti Ara Nasreen (Dhaka University, Mass Communication & Journalism)
  • Shamsul Haque Zahid (Editor, The Financial Express, Editors’ Council Representative)
  • Akhtar Hossain Khan (Secretary, NOAB – Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh)
  • Syed Abdal Ahmed (Former General Secretary, National Press Club)
  • Fahim Ahmed (CEO, Jamuna Television & Trustee, Broadcast Journalist Center)
  • Jimmy Amir (Convener, Media Support Network)
  • Mostafa Sabuj (The Daily Star, Bogura Correspondent)
  • Titu Dutta Gupta (Deputy Editor, The Business Standard)
  • Abdullah Al Mamun (Student Representative)

With the deadline for reform reports set for March 31, the government is expected to review all proposals and take necessary actions.