Bangladesh’s media landscape today resembles a sprawling garden – crowded with newspapers, television channels, online portals and social media pages. Yet beneath this apparent diversity, a different reality is emerging: weeds are spreading faster than the healthy crop.
As of June 2026, according to the then information and broadcasting minister, Bangladesh has 1,969 registered media outlets. These include 59 television channels – four state-owned and 55 private, of which 39 are currently on air – 1,436 daily newspapers (593 from Dhaka and 843 from the districts), and 474 registered online news portals.
The existence of alternative voices, independent platforms and citizen journalism is not the problem. A vibrant democracy requires diverse sources of information and open debate. The concern lies with underground, unregistered, fake or disguised news outlets that borrow the credibility of journalism without accepting its responsibilities. Wall-posting newspapers, ghost online portals, anonymous Facebook and YouTube news pages, and self-styled mobile journalists chasing viral attention have created a parallel information ecosystem where speed often matters more than accuracy and visibility often matters more than public interest.
Government figures show that Bangladesh has a large and diverse media sector. However, registration alone does not guarantee a functioning newsroom, meaningful readership or professional journalism. Many publications have little visible circulation or public presence. In Dhaka, industry observers have long raised questions over the gap between officially registered newspapers and those regularly reaching readers through conventional distribution channels. Online, many pages and portals operate without clear ownership structures, physical addresses, editorial policies or mechanisms for public accountability.
This gap between formal recognition and actual journalistic practice has allowed a shadow media economy to expand.
The Media Reform Commission, in its March 2025 report, highlighted serious concerns over newspaper circulation figures. Its chief, Kamal Ahmed, described the scale of the discrepancy as ‘extreme fraud’. The commission pointed to a major gap between official circulation claims and actual distribution. It noted that Department of Films and Publications (DFP) records showed hundreds of Dhaka-based newspapers claiming circulation figures running into millions of copies daily, while checks with hawker associations indicated that only a small number of titles were regularly distributed through street sales. The commission argued that such discrepancies created opportunities for some publications to seek government advertisements and other benefits based on inflated circulation claims.
The issue is not simply about numbers. Advertising decisions based on inaccurate circulation data distort competition within the media industry. Publications with limited readership can end up competing for resources intended to support genuine journalism. For years, concerns have also been raised over so-called ‘wall-posting’ newspapers that maintain registration but have limited presence in the actual newspaper market. Critics allege that some such publications exist mainly to access government advertisements, supplements or institutional benefits rather than to provide regular journalism.
The rise of unaccountable outlets is not only a credibility problem; it is also an economic threat to responsible journalism. A functioning media industry depends heavily on revenue. Advertising – including government advertisements, corporate campaigns and institutional notices – has traditionally helped sustain news organisations by maintaining newsrooms and supporting public-interest journalism.
However, the growth of questionable publications and unverified digital platforms has disrupted this ecosystem. Many advertisers are attracted to platforms that promise large numbers of views, clicks and engagement. The challenge is that high engagement does not always represent public value. Content driven by controversy, outrage or sensationalism can often attract more attention than careful reporting based on evidence.
Online algorithms frequently reward emotional reactions. A provocative headline, an unverified allegation or a controversial video can generate far more interaction than a detailed investigative report. This creates a distorted media economy.
News organisations investing in reports, verification systems, investigations and ethical journalism face higher costs. Meanwhile, platforms producing cheaper and sensational content can attract attention without carrying the same editorial responsibilities. The problem also exists within traditional media. The Media Reform Commission’s findings on ghost copies and inflated circulation figures illustrate how weak verification systems can distort the distribution of public advertising resources. When advertising decisions are influenced by inaccurate circulation claims or unverified reach, genuine media organisations lose a crucial financial lifeline.
The financial pressure on legitimate news organisations has wider consequences. A newsroom struggling with revenue shortages finds it harder to retain experienced journalists, conduct investigations and maintain independent reporting. A weakened business model ultimately weakens journalism’s ability to perform its most important role: holding power accountable. The battle against misinformation is therefore not only about accuracy. It is also about protecting the economic foundation of professional journalism.
The solution cannot be blanket bans or excessive state control. Bangladesh needs a transparent, accountable and independent media environment. Ownership, funding sources and circulation figures should be publicly disclosed, while independent audits should prevent fraudulent outlets from benefiting from public resources. Government advertising should be distributed based on verified reach, professional standards and public value – not political influence or inflated claims.
The media industry must also strengthen self-regulation through an independent Press Council, effective complaint mechanisms and clear ethical standards. Accreditation should depend not only on press cards but on professional conduct and accountability. Digital literacy should become a national priority, enabling citizens to identify misinformation, verify claims and understand online manipulation. Technology platforms must improve transparency and act against coordinated misinformation while protecting legitimate expression.
Legal reform is equally necessary. Laws should address genuine crimes such as fraud, harassment, extortion, privacy violations and impersonation – not be used to suppress journalism or criticism.
A healthy media garden cannot be created by cutting weeds alone; the soil must also improve. Bangladesh needs stronger institutions, ethical journalism, transparent ownership and sustainable models for public-interest reporting. Alternative media should not be treated as the enemy. Independent digital platforms, community media and university-led initiatives can strengthen democracy if they operate with professional standards and accountability.
The goal is not fewer voices, but more responsible ones. Freedom must be balanced with responsibility, and regulation must not become a weapon against independence. Only then can Bangladesh build a media landscape where truth, accountability and public interest flourish.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author
The writer is the Chief News Editor, TIMES of Bangladesh
