Thrust on revising broadcasting laws

FE Report Speakers at a roundtable conference Thursday urged the authorities to revise the country's existing broadcasting laws, policies, rules and regulations in the light of UNCRC articles to ensure children's fruitful participation in the mass media. They said Bangladesh being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) should seriously consider the matter in the upcoming broadcasting policy. "A comprehensive child sensitive broadcast media policy is needed to ensure children's rights and participation in the mass media," lawmaker Mohammed Rafiqul Islam said while addressing the discussion as chief guest. The discussion was jointly organised by Nari Maitree and Save the Children at Dhaka Reporters Unity titled 'Analyzing Broadcast Media Policies in the light of Child Rights'. The member of the parliament also stressed the importance of upholding the children rights from the family as it cannot be ensured by only enacting laws. "I'll raise the issue (child-friendly broadcasting policy) in the coming parliamentary session," he said. Media and Communication Policy Specialist Shameem Reza presented the key note paper based on a study supported by Save the Children, which included a mapping of existing laws, policies and regulation related to broadcast media by analyzing the relevant policies in the light of child rights. Shameem Reza, also the assistant professor of department of Mass Communications and Journalism of Dhaka University, said the laws or policies should guarantee the protection from any intrusion and portrayal in the media with dignity. Birgit Lundbak, Deputy Director of Child Rights Governance (CRG) of Save the Children said that being an UNCRC signatory nation, Bangladesh has the responsibility to ensure children's right to information according to the Article 17 which is important for their cognitive development. The organisers have also placed 8-point recommendations, including incorporate provisions in the light of UNCRC Article 12,13,16&17 and in the context of Bangladesh, future broadcast laws, policies, rules and regulations should reflect children's right to access and participation in the mass media- radio, TV and other forms of broadcasting as well as right to express. Air vice Marshal Mohammed Rafiqul Islam, Honorable Member of National Parliament graced the occasion as chief guest where Director, Child Rights Governance (CRG), Save the Children, Birgit Lundbak, Deputy Director, CRG, Save the Children, Shamsul Alam, Executive Director, Nari Maitree Shaheen Akter were, among others, present at the function.