Broadcasting policy not to muzzle the mass media

Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu said Monday that the government would form the committee soon with the responsibility to prepare a draft law in light with the National Broadcasting Policy, 2014 for the welfare of the media.

"We will form a committee within the next one or two months taking with all the stakeholders to prepare the draft broadcasting law in light with the broadcasting policy that will pave the way for formation of an independent broadcasting commission," he told the media at a press briefing at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID).  

Brushing aside all criticism about the broadcasting policy he said the aim of the new policy is not to muzzle the mass media rather it will ensure welfare of the media as well as smooth flourishing.

"The broadcasting policy is not a law but a guideline which has even no provisions for awarding punishment. So the claim that the policy intends to gag the media is completely baseless and imaginary," he said.

He said the broadcasting policy is being formulated to establish good governance and uphold human rights through ensuring transparency and accountability of media. All the sections of the policy are for media's welfare and its flourishment.

He said the policy would ensure freedom of speech, free flow of information and help flourish an independent and responsible mass media.

He said the policy had been designed to bring transparency and accountability in the broadcasting media since all sections of the policy are beneficial for the media.

He claimed that the broadcasting policy does not give any power to the Information Ministry rather it (the information ministry) has formulated it (broadcasting policy) to shift its responsibilities to the broadcasting commission to look after the media.       

Asked about the criticism by different quarters about the restriction on the broadcasting of news and images which might tarnish image of the armed forces or law-enforcing agencies or government officials he said, "There is no scope for creating confusion in this regard. The concerned section of the policy mentioned that if any government officials and employees violate the discipline then there is no bar to broadcast news".   

He said the broadcasting policy does not contradict the Constitution. The policy has been formulated in the light of Article 39 of the Constitution and keeping conformity with other existing laws of the country.  

Asked when the commission will be formed he said, "We will continue our efforts to form the commission as early as possible".

Mr Inu said the government has accepted all the rational proposals given by the members of the broadcasting policy formulation committee.      

"The broadcasting policy is not to stifle the mass media by the Ministry of Information rather the ministry wants to shift its responsibility to the independent broadcasting commission for looking after the affairs of the mass media," the Information Minister said.

About the adverse comments made by the Social Welfare Minister Syed Mohsin Ali against the journalists, the information minister said, "It is his (Ali) personal comments. I personally and also on behalf of my government expressed regrets".