The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is working to modernise the country’s information and mass media sector and make it more technology-driven, people-friendly and aligned with global developments. According to officials and media stakeholders, the ministry is placing particular emphasis on updating existing laws and policies, developing effective regulatory frameworks for digital platforms, ensuring media freedom and modernising institutions under its jurisdiction. They believe that successful implementation of these initiatives could transform the ministry into a modern, media-friendly institution.
Yaser Khan Chowdhury, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, has from the outset emphasised the need to align the ministry’s activities with the changing demands of the times. People familiar with the ministry’s work say he has been regularly focusing on the existing challenges and prospects of Bangladesh’s information and media sector, as well as developments in the international media landscape.
His approach is reportedly based on the view that if other countries can advance rapidly in technology and media management, Bangladesh should also be able to move forward in the same direction. Against this backdrop, various initiatives aimed at modernising the country’s information and media sector are being given priority.
The ministry’s responsibilities have gained an additional dimension with the appointment of Andaleeb Rahman as Information Minister. Media stakeholders hope that coordinated efforts, discussions and consultations between the minister and the state minister will create greater opportunities to strengthen the country’s overall information system and support the journalism community.
There are also expectations that effective measures will be taken to identify and address existing challenges facing journalists, particularly issues relating to their professional dignity, freedom and security.
To keep pace with the digital era, the ministry is reviewing existing laws, regulations and policies and considering necessary amendments. At the same time, given the rapid expansion of digital platforms and cyberspace, greater emphasis is being placed on developing effective frameworks for their regulation and management.
In this regard, experiences and regulatory practices in the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States are being examined with a view to formulating policies suited to Bangladesh’s own circumstances.
Institutional modernisation is another important component of the ministry’s initiatives. In response to the growing demand for internet-based services, cloud technology and digital broadcasting, steps are being considered to modernise the infrastructure and operational systems of Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar and the National Institute of Mass Communication.
The objective is to ensure the effective use of modern technologies and make these institutions more efficient, relevant and responsive to contemporary needs.
The ministry is also seeking to move away from the restrictive culture that has historically affected the media and place greater emphasis on free flow of information, independent journalism, transparency and accountability.
Stakeholders believe that greater mutual trust and cooperation between the government and the media are essential to ensuring both the professional independence of journalists and the responsible role of the mass media.
Meanwhile, efforts are also being pursued to develop a modern information complex as part of the initiative to make information services more accessible, technology-driven and citizen-friendly. Such a facility could help deliver information services to citizens more quickly and conveniently while bringing various activities of the information and media sector under a modern institutional framework.
The journalism community expects that, under the leadership and through the coordinated efforts of the minister and the state minister, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will not only emerge as a modern institution but will also play an effective role in protecting journalists’ freedom, professional dignity and rights.
They also believe that such initiatives could pave the way for Bangladesh’s media sector to meet international standards while keeping pace with rapid technological changes.
Asked about the government’s position, State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury said, “We are committed to protecting the interests of journalists and ensuring an environment conducive to independent journalism. The freedom, professional dignity and rights of the media will be given the highest priority.
“At the same time, we will take initiatives to make the country’s media sector more modern and relevant in line with rapid technological changes. Effective measures will be taken to improve policies, technology and infrastructure required to build an internationally competitive media system.”