Dhaka: Speakers at a view-sharing meeting here today unanimously agreed that healthy competition is crucial for the proper development of mass media. They emphasized the urgent need to free mass media from personal, business, and political influences to enable it to play a vital role in building society effectively.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, members of the Mass Media Reform Commission and media workers made these observations during a divisional-level view-sharing meeting held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner (DC). The meeting was attended by around 150 mass media workers from 10 districts in the division, who participated in open discussions.
Commission Chief Kamal Ahmed, who addressed the meeting as the chief guest, stated that the commission will submit proposals for formulating a policy that aligns with current times, ensuring the mass media can contribute effectively to nation-building. He highlighted the importance of securing a minimum wage for journalists, stressing that financial insecurity could hinder their ability to work independently.
Kamal Ahmed also noted that numerous media houses were closed illegally over the past 15 years, leaving many journalists jobless, and they are entitled to seek compensation. Additionally, he called for the immediate repeal of cases filed against journalists under the digital security act.