Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday told the Parliament that a plan has been taken to set educational qualifications for journalists and create an online database aiming to ensuring the dignity of genuine journalists.
“In the era of free flow of information, to improve the quality of journalism, ensure the dignity of genuine journalists and prevent fake journalism, the Bangladesh Press Council has taken a plan to determine the educational qualifications of journalists and create an online database,” he said, while replying to a scripted question from Jamaat lawmaker Md. Abdul Aleem (Bagerhat-4).
To combat misinformation and propaganda, the minister said his ministry has already adopted several action plans.
Through the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), training will be provided on artificial intelligence, narrative building, information policy support, and multimedia journalism, he added.
He said communication and cooperation have been strengthened with international media operating in the country. “Preparations are underway to organise discussions and seminars involving fact-checking organisations, mainstream media, and other stakeholders to address fake news and misinformation,” he added.
Swapon said 22 photocards and 10 information bulletins on rumor prevention have been distributed by the Press Information Department (PID) to national dailies and online news portals for publication.
The minister said any aggrieved person or organisation can file complaints with the Press Council against journalists or editors for publishing content that violates journalistic ethics or decency. “Currently, eight complaints are pending with the Press Council,” he added.
In reply to a tabled question from ruling party lawmaker Md Jalal Uddin (Chadpur-2), the minister said the number of approved private television channels is 55 in the country and of which 37 channels are in full telecast operation.
He also said four other television channels are owned by the government.
The four channels are Bangladesh Television, BTV News (former name – BTV World), Sangsad Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Television, Chattogram Centre.
The minister said the approval of any new TV channel is not pending now.
In case of settlement of application to approve any new TV channel, necessary steps would be taken as per rules, he added.