Dhaka, Oct 9 (V7N) – Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuz Alam has called on all private television channels in Bangladesh to formulate and publicly release their own code of conduct to ensure transparency and accountability to the public.
 
He made the call on Wednesday during a views exchange meeting with a delegation of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) at the ministry’s conference room.
 
Mahfuz Alam stated that if private TV channels make their self-regulatory guidelines public, viewers will be able to assess whether the broadcasters are adhering to ethical broadcasting standards. “Publishing a code of conduct will enhance public trust and reinforce each channel’s responsibility toward society,” he said.
 
The adviser also mentioned that the government has already held consultations with stakeholders regarding the digitalization of cable television networks. “Another meeting will be organized soon to finalize a comprehensive policy for cable TV digitalization based on stakeholder opinions,” he added.
 
Discussions are also underway with the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited to establish a transparent Television Rating Point (TRP) system. Mahfuz Alam expressed optimism that a conclusive decision on the matter would be reached soon.
 
During the meeting, ATCO representatives stressed the importance of digitalizing the cable TV system and proposed setting a fixed timeline for the digital transition. They also urged the government to consult all relevant stakeholders before introducing any new laws or policies affecting private TV channels. ATCO leaders acknowledged that there is currently no government interference or pressure on private broadcasters.
 
The meeting was attended by Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, ATCO Treasurer Zahir Uddin Mahmud Mamun, and directors Mostafa Kamal, Abdus Salam, Navidul Haque, and Tipu Alam Milon.
 
In a separate event held in Dhaka on the same day, Adviser Mahfuz Alam emphasized the need to enhance the quality of government-funded films, stating that the ministry would provide all necessary support to improve production standards.
 
Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Film and Television Institute, he said, “Filmmakers must enhance their creative and technical skills to produce high-quality films. This is essential for the advancement of our national cinema.”
 
The workshop focused on providing guidelines for the production of government grant-winning films for the fiscal year 2024–2025.
 
Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, presiding over the session, noted that this was the first time the ministry had organized a workshop for filmmakers receiving state grants. Additional Secretary Md Kawsar Ahmed, Professor S. M. Imran Hossain, Chairman of Dhaka University’s Department of Television, Film and Photography, and other ministry officials also attended the event.
 
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