Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has criticised the draft National Media Commission and Broadcasting Commission Ordinances, calling them a "parting mockery" of public expectations for the development of free media.
It highlighted that the demand for a unified, independent and effective media commission in Bangladesh has long existed, including in the Media Reform Commission's report.
However, despite more than 10 months having passed since the submission of that report, the interim government has remained entirely indifferent to implementing its recommendations, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) said in a statement issued on Saturday.
Instead, at the final stage of its tenure, the interim government has published two draft ordinances -- the National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance -- aimed at establishing two new government bodies.
TIB expressed deep disappointment and frustration over the move, saying the preparation of the two drafts -- contrary to public expectations and the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, and with the apparent objective of imposing greater control over the media sector -- along with seeking public opinions within only three days, amounts to a "parting mockery" by the interim government.
At the same time, TIB described the move as another example of the interim government's continued practice of secrecy across nearly all areas since the beginning of its tenure, as well as reform-opposing and obstructive actions by certain sections of the government under the guise of state reform.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the proposed structure and status of the commissions, the rank and authority of the commissioners, and the administrative and financial arrangements were designed to establish two institutions that would be 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.
He added that while the move was disappointing, it was not surprising, as the interim government had failed to curb state and non-state control over the media, acts of violence and attempts to impose authority during its tenure, and in many cases had played a direct or indirect role as an instigator.
The two proposed drafts at the final stage of its tenure reflect the same adversarial stance toward expectations of media freedom, he said.
TIB also called on the government not to hastily promulgate the two draft ordinances.
At the same time, the TIB executive director urged political parties participating in the upcoming election -- many of whom have themselves been victims of restrictions on free media and independent broadcasting and have made strong commitments in their election manifestos and campaigns -- to ensure that, following the formation of the new parliament, the issue is addressed immediately through a participatory process.
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