SANGSAD BHABAN, July 8, (v7n) – Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government is committed to ensuring press freedom, professionalism, accountability, and responsible journalism.
"The government does not support unauthorized, amateur, or unethical activities in the name of mobile journalism, as such practices can contribute to the spread of misinformation," he said while responding to a tabled question from National Citizens Party (NCP) lawmaker M Abul Hasnat (Cumilla-4) in the Jatiya Sangsad.
The minister said the government has proposed amendments to the Press Council Act 1974 to make it time-befitting and to strengthen the Press Council as a more effective and media-friendly institution.
The proposed amendments include provisions to prescribe minimum educational qualifications for journalists, introduce a journalist registration system similar to the Bar Council, and establish effective measures—including financial penalties—for publishing false, harassing, or unethical news reports. The proposals also seek to empower the Press Council to initiate investigations on its own motion and take action against rumours, fake news, hate speech, or content deemed contrary to national interest.
The minister added that training programmes to enhance journalists' professional skills are ongoing. He noted that while no decision has been made yet on introducing a licensing system for mobile journalists, the matter may be reviewed in light of evolving realities and emerging needs.
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