The Bangladesh Media Commission can be formed by combining the currently active Bangladesh Press Council for newspapers and news agencies, and the Broadcast Commission proposed by the previous government for broadcast media and online platforms. This institution must be established as an independent body, free from government control. Media institutions may finance the expenses of this organisation by determining a fixed-rate contribution from their income. As a media regulatory body, the responsibilities that the Bangladesh Media Commission will perform include: a. Determining the qualifications and disqualifications of publishers and editors so that persons convicted of criminal offences and loan defaulters cannot become media owners/editors. b. Determining the minimum educational qualification for journalism. c. Journalists working across the country will be registered with the Media Commission, and the Commission will maintain a list of them. d. It will formulate a code of conduct for journalists and ensure its compliance. e. It will recommend the issuance of licenses for broadcast media (TV and radio) and online portals and ensure compliance with the conditions of those licenses. f. Providing remedies for complaints by individuals, institutions, or groups harmed by false or deliberately motivated news. If this is possible, it will achieve an important advancement in establishing institutional accountability of the media, and the media will be able to earn public trust. Year: 2025 Domain: Bangladesh Mass Media Commission Media Status: Reform Initiated Last Update: 14-Dec-25
The advance tax levied on the honorariums of media columnists, contributors, artists, and guest presenters/discussants is equivalent to taxing creativity. This advance tax should be abolished. Year: 2025 Domain: Media Media Ownership Status: Reform Proposed Last Update: 14-Dec-25
The Commission to organise ‘candidate forums’ involving voter-candidate face-to-face events in each constituency to foster engagement between voters and candidates. Year: 2025 Domain: Electoral Process Responsibilities of the Election Commission Status: Reform Proposed Last Update: 14-Dec-25
If a contesting political party is aggrieved by the Commission’s certification of an election to be free, fair and credible, it will have 48 hours to lodge a complaint with the National Constitutional Council (NCC) or the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. The Council or the Court to settle the complaint within 7 working days. Year: 2025 Domain: Electoral Process Responsibilities of the Election Commission Status: Reform Proposed Last Update: 14-Dec-25
Within 48 hours of the national election, and before publishing the results in the national Gazette, the Commission is to issue a public declaration certifying the integrity, credibility and acceptability of the said election. Year: 2025 Domain: Electoral Process Responsibilities of the Election Commission Status: Reform Proposed Last Update: 14-Dec-25
A legal requirement to be put in place such that, during election period, any decision undertaken by any part of the executive branch of the government that could affect election will have to be explicitly vetted by the Election Commission. Year: 2025 Domain: Electoral Process Powers of the Election Commission Status: Reform Proposed Last Update: 14-Dec-25
Media organisations must make their financial accounts public every year to ensure the transparency of their income. Year: 2025 Domain: Media Media Ownership Status: Reform Proposed Last Update: 14-Dec-25
To grant the Election Commission the authority to postpone, cancel, and re-hold elections. Year: 2025 Domain: Electoral Process Powers of the Election Commission Status: Legal and Policy Framework Last Update: 14-Dec-25
Through an appropriate legal framework, all information related to the identity of the real or ultimate beneficial owner of a company, trust, or foundation must be registered and made publicly accessible in the public interest. Year: 2025 Domain: Anti Corruption Corporate Transparency Status: Reform Initiated Last Update: 14-Dec-25
To prevent abuse of state and legal power, enact a law to resolve and prevent conflict of interest. Year: 2025 Domain: Anti Corruption Conflict Prevention Status: Reform Initiated Last Update: 14-Dec-25
