Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government is committed to ensuring press freedom, professionalism, accountability and responsible journalism across the country.
“The government does not support unauthorized, amateur or unethical activities in the name of mobile journalism as such kind of journalism can contribute to the spread of misinformation,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while responding to a tabled question from National Citizens Party (NCP) lawmaker M. Abul Hasnat from Cumilla-4 in the Jatiya Sangsad.
He said the government has proposed amendments to the Press Council Act, 1974 to make the law more relevant to the present time and strengthen the Bangladesh Press Council as a more effective and media-friendly institution.
According to the minister, the proposed amendments include provisions for setting minimum educational qualifications for journalists, introducing a journalist registration system similar to that of the Bar Council, and establishing effective measures, including financial penalties, against the publication of false, harassing or unethical news reports.
The proposed reforms also seek to empower the Press Council to initiate investigations on its own and take appropriate action against the dissemination of rumours, fake news, hate speech and content considered contrary to the national interest.
Swapan said the government is also continuing various training programmes to enhance the professional skills and standards of journalists.
Regarding mobile journalism, the minister said the government has not yet taken any decision to introduce a licensing system.
However, he added, the matter may be reviewed in the future in light of changing realities and emerging needs.
