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Ensuring the people's right to know
Sadrul Hasan Mazumder makes the case for ending the state's media monopoly
The commission finalized its report on June 30, 1997. The findings of the commission included both administrative and non-structural measures, and means of handling satellite and terrestrial measures, and FM radio bands. The recommendations of the commission included formation of a National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) independent of the government, and accountable only to a parliamentary committee on information. The NBC would administer both Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television, including approval of their budgets, which would function and operate from their own income. A code of conduct would be signed between NBC and the private operators. A standard committee would be formed by NBC to monitor satellite and terrestrial programs, and take action against violation of the guidelines. In the area of news coverage, protocol value would replace news value. The commission, headed by former civil servant M. Asafuddoula, suggested that the president should appoint one chairman and six members of the National Broadcasting Commission.
Status of implementation
Instead of formation of a National Broadcasting Commission as recommended by the autonomy commission, the Awami League government formed two separate authorities, and the government itself would appoint members of those bodies. Each authority would have a chairman with some members to assist in running the affairs of the two public broadcasting agencies. Under the two draft laws approved by the cabinet -- Bangladesh Betar Authority Act, 2001 and Bangladesh Television Authority Act, 2001 -- the government could sack the chairman of both the authorities without giving any reason. Some members of the commission regretted that laws passed deviated significantly from the commission's recommendations.
Political commitments
During the October 1, 2001 general election, Awami League, in its election manifesto said: "The law enacted by us to make Radio and Bangladesh Television autonomous institutions free from party influences, will be made effective. The freedom of newspapers will be protected." BNP, however, did not pledge anything especially in its election manifesto, but criticized Awami League for using the state owned media for the party interest.
During the June 12, 1996, general election, Bangladesh Awami League promised "Autonomy to radio, TV and government-controlled news media. Privatisation of newspapers now owned by the government," while Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) promised that the policy for free flow of information would continue.
End notes
Frustratingly, both the major parties were in power during the last one and half decades, but have not fulfilled their commitment relating to autonomy of Bangladesh Radio and Bangladesh Television. Rather, we have observed that a government cancelled the previous government's rules and policies taken in this regard. It is our demand to the present government led by Dr. Fakhruddin that they take positive steps to fulfill the nation's desire of getting autonomy of radio and television in the real sense.
Sadrul Hasan Mazumder is a development activist.
