New Broadcast Policy to gag media: BNP

Rizvi Ahmed. File photo

BNP today lambasted the government for its move to formulate National Broadcast Policy alleging that it is trying to gag media in the name of ensuring media’s accountability.

“The government is going to formulate the new policy in the name of ensuring accountability of newspapers, news agencies, online portals, televisions and radios. We believe the government’s aim is to curb the media,” BNP joint secretary general Rizvi Ahmed said.

Rizvi was addressing a press conference at the BNP headquarters in Nayapaltan of the capital this afternoon.

Hours before his briefing, the cabinet approved a draft of National Broadcast Policy-2014 with a provision to ban broadcasting anything that 'demeans' the armed forces or law enforcement agencies.

As per the draft, the government will form an independent commission, which will monitor the media reports and recommend applicants for broadcast licences.

The commission will monitor TV and radio programmes to ensure accountability and protect public interests. It will also prepare and enforce a guideline for broadcasters.

Once the draft is approved in the parliament, no media house will be allowed to broadcast any false information in talk shows.

Referring to different media reports, Rizvi Ahmed said the government’s aim is to have authority to shutdown any television channel if it wants.

The BNP leader called upon that the government to shun its heinous move to control media.