Media stakeholders in Bangladesh on Wednesday emphasized the need for newsroom-led self-regulation, transparency, and accessible grievance redress mechanisms to uphold professional standards and restore public trust in journalism, as the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) launched a policy paper on accountable media practices.
The paper, titled “Media self-regulation in Bangladesh: The cornerstone of an accountable free press,” was released during a multi-stakeholder dialogue organized by MRDI under its partnership with The Asia Foundation and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It is part of MRDI’s Strategic Action Plan on Advocacy for News Media Reform (2025-2030).
Drawing on desk research and stakeholder consultations, the paper notes that the absence of credible self-regulatory mechanisms has contributed to declining public trust, driven by political and commercial pressures and reliance on state intervention. It recommends internal editorial standards, transparent correction practices, ownership accountability, and accessible audience grievance mechanisms as key to fostering ethical journalism.
Speaking at the event, The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said effective self-regulation reduces the scope for government interference. “Journalists must ensure political views do not influence their work, owners must avoid using media for political purposes, and editors should be granted full operational freedom,” he said, adding that the Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) are developing codes of conduct for editors and owners, with plans to extend similar standards to journalists.
NOAB President AK Azad highlighted the Media Reform Commission’s proposal for an independent media commission, jointly funded by the government and media organizations, to ensure justice for journalists and accountability for newspapers publishing false information. He said NOAB, the Editors’ Council, and allied organizations will launch a nationwide campaign promoting truth-based journalism regardless of political stance.
Former Media Reform Commission Chair Kamal Ahmed stressed that press freedom depends on public trust. He said news outlets must proactively implement self-regulation, make editorial policies publicly accessible, and avoid reliance on externally imposed regulations that could be misused for control.
Sara Hossain, honorary executive director of Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), noted that the effectiveness of self-regulation depends on enforcement, warning that Bangladesh’s economic and political context differs from countries where such systems are well established.
UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh Dr. Susan Vize said audience trust is closely linked to journalist safety, adding that accountable journalism can improve circulation and advertising. Paola Castro Neiderstam, First Secretary at the Swedish Embassy, highlighted Sweden’s global media reputation built on inclusive and transparent self-regulation.
MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to continue advocacy for an independent media commission and a journalist protection act while supporting news outlets in implementing self-regulation.
The dialogue was attended by senior editors and executives from Prothom Alo, Maasranga TV, Jamuna TV, and other media organizations, as well as academics, civil society representatives, development partners, and embassy officials.
