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Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said the government will not support unauthorised, unprofessional or unethical activities carried out in the name of mobile journalism.
The minister said the government is committed to ensuring media freedom, professionalism, accountability and responsible journalism.
Responding to a question from Hasnat Abdullah in parliament on Wednesday, he said the government has proposed amendments to the Press Council Act, 1974 to make the Press Council more effective, independent and media-friendly.
The proposed amendments include setting minimum educational qualifications for journalists, introducing a journalist registration system similar to that of the Bar Council, imposing financial penalties for false, malicious or unethical reporting, and empowering the Press Council to launch investigations on its own into rumours, fake news, hate speech and reports deemed contrary to the national interest.
Replying to another question, the minister said the government is reviewing advertising regulations for electronic media to reflect technological changes, the expansion of digital broadcasting, online platforms and OTT services, while aligning them with international standards.
He also said existing laws and policies are being applied to regulate content published through podcasts, blogs and influencer-based digital platforms.
The government is considering a modern policy framework that balances freedom of expression with the public interest in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
The minister further informed parliament that Bangladesh currently has 3,338 registered newspapers, including 1,436 dailies, 1,231 weeklies, 452 monthlies, 215 fortnightlies, and 54 publications issued on other schedules.