TIB: Media ordinances a ‘parting mockery’ of free press

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Saturday criticised the draft National Media Commission and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances, calling them a “final mockery” of public hopes for the growth of a free media.
“Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep disappointment and frustration over this move. TIB believes that the preparation of these two drafts – contrary to public expectations and the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, with the apparent objective of imposing greater control over the media sector – and seeking public opinions within only three days, constitutes a parting mockery by the interim government,” TIB stated this in a statement, citing its Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman.
TIB identifies this move as yet another example of the interim government’s continuous practice of secrecy across nearly all areas from the outset, as well as the reform-opposing, obstructive actions carried out by certain sections of the government under the guise of state reform.

In the statement, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “In both cases, the proposed structure and status of the commissions, the rank and authority of the commissioners, and the administrative and financial arrangements are designed to establish two institutions that are entirely under government control, particularly under bureaucratic authority. This represents a mockery of the interim government’s commitment to the development of free media and independent broadcasting.”
He said though this is disappointing, they are not surprised at all, as during the tenure of the interim government its failure to curb state and non-state control over the media, acts of violence, and attempts to impose authority – and in many cases its direct and indirect role as an instigator – have been evident. 
“At the final stage of its tenure, these two proposed drafts reflect the same adversarial stance by the government toward expectations of media freedom.”
Referring to the numerous limitations of the existing Press Council and the absence of any comparable institutional framework for the broadcast media, Iftekharuzzaman noted that the Media Reform Commission – based on research and consultations with relevant stakeholders – recommended the establishment of a unified, independent Media Commission free from government control. 
TIB has called on the government not to hastily promulgate the two draft ordinances.