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the government was sincere in drafting the two ordinances, adding that a legal framework is essential for independent journalism.

“For this, we want to complete these media-related ordinances even though we have a limited time left,” she said.

Kamal Ahmed, head of the Media Reform Commission, argued that there should be only one commission for the media. He said the government could enact a separate law for broadcasting, but the oversight body should remain unified.

“The way the commission is proposed in the current draft, it will just become another department under the information ministry, rather than an independent commission,” he said.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, chief editor of Daily Manab Zamin, said, “I feel afraid whenever I hear about laws because I don’t believe in control.”

He said the law should not be rushed and that more time is needed, adding that there is no guarantee a future political government would accept it.

Obaidur Rahman Shahin, president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), pointed out that many key stakeholders were absent from the meeting. He said the laws should be drafted only after consultations with all stakeholders, instead of being rushed.

After the meeting, Rizwana told reporters that there was a general consensus on formulating an ordinance.

Responding to concerns that the process was being hurried, she said, “This hasn’t happened in 54 years. We believe it is better late than never. This will improve the quality of journalism.”

Regarding the absence of key stakeholders, she said many might have missed the meeting as it was called with only one day’s notice. “We will talk to them later,” she added.

The meeting was attended by Fayez Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser; Mahbuba Farjana, secretary of the information and broadcasting ministry; Prof Gitiara Nasreen of Dhaka University; Shahidul Islam, president of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ); and representatives of various online media organisations.