Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam has assured that the current interim government will not close any existing media outlets and is actively working to approve new ones, particularly to amplify “anti-fascist” and youth-led voices that emerged during the recent mass uprising.
Speaking to journalists ahead of a meeting with the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) at the ministry on Wednesday, Mahfuj criticised past media approvals as politically motivated, saying, “For 15 years, licences were granted based on loyalty, not merit. When people were disappeared or killed, many media houses stayed silent.”
He confirmed the recent approval of two new television channels – Live TV and Next TV – stating they met all regulatory criteria. “This government’s policy is clear: we will not shut down any media. Instead, we will create space for new voices,” he said. “A competitive media market breaks the monopoly of a single narrative and brings diverse perspectives.”
Mahfuj emphasised that new approvals are being processed under existing rules, as drafting a new broadcasting law would delay the process indefinitely during the government’s limited tenure. “We need new media now, not after years of legislation,” he explained.
On self-regulation, the advisor urged media organisations to adopt a voluntary code of conduct by November, as recommended by UNESCO, to ensure accountability without state control. “We don’t want to impose regulation from the ministry, it would look bad. Journalism must police itself.”
He reaffirmed that enacting a Journalism Protection Act remains his “first priority,” citing poor implementation of existing laws as a key challenge. “Beautiful laws exist on paper, but they’re not enforced,” he said.
Regarding unregulated online platforms—including IP TVs, YouTube channels, and OTT services, Nahfuj acknowledged the difficulty of policing global digital spaces but confirmed ongoing talks with the ICT Division. A comprehensive policy (not a restrictive law) is being developed to bring financially benefiting online outlets under a transparent framework.
“We can’t control someone broadcasting from Australia under a fake ID,” he admitted. “But within our jurisdiction, we’ll bring as much of this ecosystem under policy as possible—fairly, clearly, and without censorship.”