Lawsuits Against Journalists Unacceptable: Head of Media Reform Commission

Staff Correspondent | May 4, 2025

The head of the government-formed Media Reform Commission, Kamal Ahmed, acknowledged the politically motivated murder cases filed against pro-Liberation and pro-Awami League journalists following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s appointment as chief advisor to the interim government.

Speaking at the seminar “Brave New Bangladesh: Reform Roadmap for Press Freedom,” held in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Ahmed emphasized that such cases and harassment of journalists are unacceptable. He highlighted the need for fair wages and ethical support to ensure press freedom, stating that financial insecurity is forcing journalists and media outlets to compromise their work.

Ahmed also discussed the Commission’s proposal to convert media outlets into public limited companies. While critics claim this is impractical due to the unprofitability of most outlets, financial analyses of over a dozen media organizations reveal that many are profitable, indicating the feasibility of the proposal.

He noted that the media landscape is overcrowded with politically and commercially motivated outlets, undermining the sector’s integrity and sustainability. Such organizations depend on political patronage or interest groups and distort the advertising market by offering steep discounts.

The seminar, organized jointly by UNESCO Dhaka Office, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), and the Swedish Embassy, also addressed issues like self-censorship, social media threats, and mob violence against journalists. Ahmed criticized the lack of government action against these threats.

Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh, Nicolas Linus Ragnar Wickstrom, suggested using artificial intelligence to combat online misinformation and propaganda. He stressed the need for better working conditions for women in media and noted that press freedom is essential for safeguarding human rights.

The seminar also featured remarks from A.K. Azad, president of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), who expressed concerns about the worsening state of press freedom and criticized governmental interference in journalism.

Moderated by TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, the seminar included insights from AFP Bureau Chief Sheikh Sabiha Alam and BJSC Chairman Rezaunul Haque Raja.