The Editors’ Council has expressed deep concern regarding the formulation process and the timing of the recently published draft National Media Commission and Broadcasting Commission ordinances.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the council noted that the draft ordinances were recently released and made available on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting website.
The organisation described the hurried publication of such significant and far-reaching draft legislation, particularly as elections approach, as unintended and illogical.
The council emphasised that any draft laws directly impacting media freedom, professional journalistic standards, and the future of the broadcasting system should not be enacted without proper discussion and review.
According to the statement, the framework and provisions of these draft ordinances suggest a clear risk of state control rather than the protection of media freedom. The council stated that attempting to complete the legislative process by soliciting opinions within a limited timeframe is contrary to participatory and democratic practices.
The Editors’ Council maintained that such vital legislation should only be enacted following extensive and meaningful consultations with all relevant stakeholders – including journalists, editors, media organisations, and representatives of civil society – after the formation of an elected parliament.
The statement concluded that a transparent, participatory, and responsible process, rather than haste, is in the best interest of the country and democracy to ensure media freedom and professional security.
The statement was issued on behalf of the council by its President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
