Media, broadcasting system to be restructured following BBC model to strengthen independence: Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has announced that Bangladesh’s media and broadcasting system will be restructured along the lines of the BBC model to strengthen independence and efficiency.

The government is also working to align media and telecom policies as per its electoral commitments, he made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at an event “Bangladesh Reform Tracker: Relevance of Media”, jointly organised by the Economic Reporters Forum and the Citizen’s Platform for SDGs at the ERF auditorium in Dhaka. 

“Necessary reforms in media and telecom will be introduced in line with the election manifesto,” he said, informing that a committee has already begun preparing a study report on state-run media outlets to guide restructuring efforts.

The government is close to finalising amendments to the country’s telecom policy, the minister said, asserting that the current administration is prioritising practical, rather than theoretical.

He said the government is considering formulating a comprehensive advertising policy in consultation with stakeholders, stressing the need to curb false circulation data and malpractice in the sector.

At the event, Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors’ Council and editor of New Age, underscored the role of the media in holding power to account. He said journalists should embrace “participatory journalism” that actively challenges corruption and irregularities.

He also criticised political inaction on key national issues, suggesting that public expectations from major parties remain unmet.

Expressing frustration over the lack of implementation of media reform recommendations submitted in March 2025, The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid claimed that not a single recommendation has been executed

The print media industry is currently facing severe financial strain due to declining advertisement revenues, he said. 

Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya, convenor of the Citizen Platform, said, “Reform is not a static issue. Reform is an ongoing issue to make the economy dynamic and increase growth. The initiative taken by the interim government for reforms in the beginning has gradually faded after six to eight months.”

The previous government did not have an economic philosophy or a prior plan. But the current government has an election manifesto. They will make a five-year plan or a short-term plan to take the country forward, he said. 

Head of Online at Prothom Alo Shawkat Hossain Masum and ERF General Secretary Abul Kashem were present at the event.