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Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam has said the government plans to expand facilities for newspapers and private television channels, urging media owners to enhance the welfare and benefits of journalists accordingly.
He made the remarks while speaking at the “Meet the Reporters” programme organized by Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) at its Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium in the capital on Sunday.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to media development, the adviser said steps are being taken to fix a minimum salary for entry-level journalists.
“Media outlets that fail to pay the minimum wage will not be eligible for any government facilities,” he said.
Mahfuj Alam announced that the government will digitize the private television broadcast system, allowing accurate measurement of viewership and ensuring fairer distribution of advertising revenue.
“Channels with better performance will receive more advertisements and higher earnings,” he noted.
On the approval of new television channels, the adviser said licenses were granted in line with existing policies to promote healthy competition within the media industry.
Referring to the implementation of the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations, Mahfuj Alam said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has prioritized 13 out of 23 recommendations for execution.
He added that some recommendations require new policies or ordinances and that certain issues will be finalized by the Council of Advisers.
He also informed that the draft of the Journalists’ Rights Protection Ordinance has been sent for vetting and will soon be placed before the Council of Advisers. The government is also considering a Mass Media Employees Act and new guidelines for private TV channels.
Speaking about online platforms, Mahfuj Alam said efforts are underway with the ICT Division to bring all online and OTT media under a structured registration framework.
“Online platforms earning revenue from content must come under registration,” he emphasized.
The adviser noted inconsistencies in newspaper circulation data, revealing that many outlets print only 500–1,000 copies a day but report much higher circulation figures.
The Department of Films and Publications (DFP) has recently monitored circulation numbers, and the government now plans to rationalize figures and double advertisement rates in line with actual circulation, he said.
Responding to questions, Mahfuj Alam said necessary measures would be taken in coordination with the Election Commission to ensure journalists’ safety during the upcoming national elections.
Regarding the proposal for a permanent Media Commission, he said such a body would require redefining departmental jurisdictions and could not be established in a short time.
On combating misinformation, the adviser urged every media outlet to establish an independent fact-checking team.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam reiterated the government’s commitment to uphold ethics in journalism and called for an increase in journalists’ salaries.
He also expressed concern over the growing number of websites violating copyright laws by publishing news from other outlets without permission, stressing the importance of respecting intellectual property in the digital age.
The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and conducted by General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel. Chief Adviser’s Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad and journalists from print and electronic media were also present.
