[🇧🇩] Press Freedom in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Protests erupt as ‘JaiJai Din’ declaration revoked

The declaration of the daily 'JaiJai Din' has been revoked following an application by its former editor Shafik Rehman, sparking protests from the newspaper's current management and journalists

www.thedailystar.net

Protests erupt as ‘JaiJai Din’ declaration revoked

Photo: UNB

The declaration of the daily 'JaiJai Din' has been revoked following an application by its former editor Shafik Rehman, sparking protests from the newspaper's current management and journalists.

Speaking at a press conference today at Dhaka Reporters' Unity, Kazi Rukunuddin Ahmed, acting editor of the newspaper, along with the current owners and journalists, protested against the illegal occupation of the newspaper's main office and the unjust cancellation of its declaration.

In his written statement, Kazi Rukunuddin said, "A malicious group, with Shafik Rehman in the forefront, has illegally seized the main office and the printing press. They have resorted to lies and deception to continue their conspiracy to seize 'JaiJai Din' from its current owner, Sayed Hossain Chowdhury. We attempted to resolve the matter quietly, keeping in mind the respect for this senior journalist. However, this group is trying to influence the law and the court, constantly distorting truth and fabricated lies."

He also stated, "After the 'JaiJai Din' office and press in Tejgaon Industrial Area were seized, the newspaper continued to print from another press following proper procedures, informing the DC office about the change. Despite this, the DC office, after receiving Shafik Rehman's application, revoked the newspaper's declaration under baseless pretenses."

Kazi Rukunuddin said, "The government has repeatedly emphasised media freedom, yet an influential group has manipulated the system to revoke the declaration of a legally operating media outlet."​

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh advances 16 notches in a year on press freedom index: Mahfuj Alam

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam today said that Bangladesh has advanced 16 notches in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) in a year due to the absence of government interference in the media. He said this while responding to Bangladesh's position in the WPFI published on the

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangladesh advances 16 notches in a year on press freedom index: Mahfuj Alam
BSS
Published :
May 02, 2025 23:04
Updated :
May 02, 2025 23:04

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam today said that Bangladesh has advanced 16 notches in the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) in a year due to the absence of government interference in the media.

He said this while responding to Bangladesh's position in the WPFI published on the website of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), according to a press release signed by Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Mamun Or Rashid on Friday.

Referring to the interim government's initiatives to establish media freedom, the adviser said that all media outlets in the country, including Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, are now free from government influence.

The government is not interfering in any media organisation by making telephone calls, he added.

The government has already taken several initiatives to free and strengthen the country's media, he said, adding that Bangladesh's 16-place advancement in the WPFI proves that the government is working to free and strengthen the country's media.

Mahfuj Alam said that several reform activities will be undertaken very soon as per the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission.

The adviser expressed the hope that Bangladesh will move a few steps further in the WPFI next year and the rights of the country's journalists and media professionals will be protected.

Bangladesh has been ranked 149th out of 180 countries in the WPFI-2025, published on the website of the Paris-based organisation RSF on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on May 3.

Bangladesh’s rank was 165th in the index last year.

Neighbouring India is staying two places below Bangladesh’s position in the index this year, securing 151st place.

When the Awami League government took office in 2009, Bangladesh’s position was 121st in the index.

During the Awami League's rule, Bangladesh has slipped 44 places in the index in the last 15 years.​

 

[Saif]

Govt wants healthy competition among newspapers: Info Adviser

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam said the government encourages healthy competition among newspapers and wants to see the industry thrive through ethical practices. “The government wants to see healthy competition among newspapers. Certain negative practices still exist i

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Govt wants healthy competition among newspapers: Info Adviser
FE Online Desk
Published :
May 08, 2025 21:27
Updated :
May 08, 2025 21:27

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam said the government encourages healthy competition among newspapers and wants to see the industry thrive through ethical practices.

“The government wants to see healthy competition among newspapers. Certain negative practices still exist in the industry, and these must come to an end,” he told a view-exchange meeting with the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at the ministry’s conference room on Thursday.

The adviser said, “We have already begun implementing the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission. We seek cooperation of all stakeholders to implement these reforms.”

The adviser expressed concern over persisting negative trends in the print media sector, urging all stakeholders to shun such practices, reports BSS.

During the meeting, NOAB President A.K. Azad said that over the past 12-13 years, both the circulation and advertising revenue of print newspapers have significantly declined.

“Over the past 12 to 13 years, both newspaper circulation and advertising revenue have significantly declined. Despite being a service industry, newspapers are burdened with a 27.5% corporate tax. We propose reducing it to 10% to help the sector survive,” he said.

Azad also stressed the need for restructuring the Wage Board and proposed the formation of the board through a search committee to ensure transparency and fairness.

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman praised the Media Reform Commission’s report and emphasized the urgency of implementing its actionable recommendations.

Commenting on government-media relations, the editor said the current government is not attempting to intimidate the press.

In the meeting, NOAB proposed the establishment of a permanent Media Commission to oversee long-term reforms and stability in the sector.

Editors from leading national dailies, including Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, The Daily Sangbad Altaf Mas Kabir, The Financial Express Shamsul Haque Zahid and The Daily Karatoa editor Mozammel Haque, were present at the discussion.​