The Editors’ Council has expressed deep concern over the process and time for formulating the drafts of the National Media Commission Ordinance and the Broadcasting Commission Ordinance.
The drafts have been made available on the information and broadcasting ministry’s website ahead of the February 12 national elections calling for public opinions.
In a statement, the professional body said on Sunday that it was unexpected and illogical to hastily publish any ordinances bearing such high importance and potential for long-term impact just on the eve of national elections.
The council’s statement, signed by its president Nurul Kabir and general secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, stated that it was not acceptable to draft such laws having direct implications on the freedom of mass media, professional standard of journalism and the future of broadcast system without proper consultations and reviews.
The Editors’ Council is of the opinion that it is evident from the structures and provisions of the draft ordinances that they would potentially establish the state’s control over the mass media instead of protecting the freedom of the media, according to the statement.
Moreover, the move seeking opinions in a short time to make the laws was contrary to inclusive and democratic practices, said the statement.
The best way was to make sure that the process was transparent, participatory and responsible in the question of ensuring media freedom and professional safety for the sake of the country and democracy instead of doing it hastily, it said.
The council also stated that such important laws should be enacted through wider and meaningful consultations with all stakeholders, including journalists, media institutions and civil society representatives after the formation of the elected government.
