Repeal, amend undemocratic legal provisions to secure media freedom

Forming media commission or upgrading Press Council among other suggestions

FE REPORT | Published: May 17, 2026 23:41:38

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman poses for a photograph with leaders of the Editors' Council after a meeting at the Secretariat in the capital on Sunday. - PID

Print-media editors have demanded of the government to repeal and amend undemocratic provisions in the existing laws to ensure media freedom, among other demands placed before the prime minister.
The demands were placed at a meeting held Sunday between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and members of the Executive Committee of the Editors' Council in the Public Administration Conference Room of the Cabinet Division at Bangladesh Secretariat.
Information and broadcasting minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, state minister Yeaser Khan Chowdhury and Prime Minister's adviser on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and additional press secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were also present.
During discussion, the members of the Council stated that many media-related laws are "outdated" and create obstacles to press freedom. "These laws also damage image of Bangladesh's media internationally."
In particular, the Council objected to the declaration required from publishers in Form "B" for newspaper publication, which reads: "I further declare that I shall refrain from publishing in the said newspaper anything contrary to interest of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh or any objectionable matter, and that I shall be bound to comply with all provisions of the Declaration and Registration Act 1973."
The council members argue that this clause conflicts with the Constitution and carries an undemocratic character. The Editors' Council demands that the clause be repealed.
The editors' body also proposed either the formation of a Media Commission or the strengthening of the Press Council as quickly as possible as part of the media reforms.
The Prime Minister instructed the Information Minister to complete necessary reviews and examinations by June so that the government could take a visible step on the matter by then, it was stated in a press statement.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need for a self-regulatory framework for the media. In response, the Editors' Council informed him that it would take initiative to formulate and adopt a "Code of Conduct" for journalists by July 2026.
During the meeting, several members of the Council also seriously raised issues of "harassment cases" filed against journalists. The apex body of the country's leading print-media outlets thinks that "for the interest of justice and proper investigation, due legal process regarding such allegations against journalists must be ensured".
However, it states that harassment and politically motivated cases are unacceptable under any circumstances. If there are specific and evidence-based allegations against any journalist, those must be resolved through existing laws and a transparent judicial process, according to the press statement.
The Prime Minister assured the Editors' Council members that he would discuss the matter with the Ministry of Home Affairs. He further states that the government is not against the media rather it wants to work as a "supportive partner".
He also holds the belief that a "strong media is an essential part of the state and his government would work sincerely to the cause".
The Editors' Council Executive Committee members who attended the meeting were President and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Treasurer and The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, General Secretary and Banik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Dainik Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Dainik Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haque and Suprobhat Bangladesh Editor Rusho Mahmud.
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