The government is thinking about formation of an independent commission in the country to bring discipline and strengthen the mass media, said Information Adviser Nahid Islam.
“We have primarily thought about an independent commission. It will be fixed by discussing with the journalists. We will determine it based on feedback from journalist communities,” he said while talking to reporters at his secretariat office in the capital on Monday, the first day after taking responsibility as adviser.
He said media should not be partisan and there should be no division among journalists as well. “Everyone should work together avoiding divisions and to speak for the people from a neutral stance.”
About journalist couple Sagar-Runi killing, he said the government is emphasising quick solution of the case without any delay.
“Farce took place in the name of trial of Sagar-Runi killing. “The ministry will work with the issue. Trial will be ensured through proper investigation into the barbaric incident. We will take initiative as soon as possible,” he said.
The information adviser further said the government would take steps to resolve the long-pending Journalist Protection Act without any delay.
The government will also reconsider the Cyber Security Act, he added.
Nahid further said that the ministry would soon decide about the films that were not released due to non-clearance of the Censor Board. “We will quickly reorganise the Censor Board making decisions based on logical reasoning,” he added.
He urged the media to limit the coverage of his photos, saying, “I do not believe that I need to be seen more in the media as the information advisor. The less I can be shown the better, that is what I want.”
About cases filed allegedly out of personal vendettas, the information adviser said they have given instructions to authorities concerned to ensure that no action is taken against those who were not involved in crimes.
“Cases will be handled based on clear investigations. The Ministry of Law has been given specific instructions in this regard,” he said.
When asked about corruption within the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) and the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), Nahid said there should be no place for corruption or nepotism.
“We must ensure that these institutions operate with complete impartiality,” he added.