The Press Council has been ineffective in upholding press freedom

The Bangladesh Press Council was established to safeguard press freedom and enhance the quality of newspapers and news organizations in the country. The objectives of the Press Council, as outlined in its founding act, emphasize the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and protecting media personnel.

Lack of Action on Press Freedom
Despite its stated purpose, the Press Council has been criticized for failing to protect press freedom effectively. There are concerns that recent proposals to amend its laws are perceived by journalists as attempts to further restrict press liberties rather than bolster them. As a government body, its inaction on these critical issues has raised doubts about its role and effectiveness.

Quasi-Judicial Role and Complaints
The Bangladesh Press Council operates as a quasi-judicial institution, allowing individuals or organizations to file complaints against journalists or editors for breaches of journalistic ethics. The council is legally empowered to adjudicate these complaints, issuing warnings or reprimands as necessary. However, actual complaint submissions are limited; reports indicate only six cases were filed in 2023, showcasing a lack of engagement with the council's processes.

Government Funding
Despite its limited effectiveness, the Press Council receives substantial government funding, amounting to over Tk 20 million annually. This raises questions about accountability and the outcomes of such financial support, considering the council’s minimal impact on enhancing press freedom or addressing journalists' concerns.

Leadership Changes
In October 2021, Justice Nizamul Haque Nasim was appointed as the chairman of the Press Council for a three-year term. However, his contract was abruptly terminated on 9 September following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. Since then, no new chairman has been appointed, leaving the council without leadership. The council has also faced stagnation, with many member positions remaining vacant since December 2023.

Press Freedom Decline
According to the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on 3 May, Bangladesh ranked 163rd out of 180 countries, reflecting a significant decline in press freedom. The situation worsened in 2022, as the country dropped ten spots compared to the previous year. Additionally, a report by Ain O Salish Kendra highlighted that in the first nine months of 2022, 179 journalists faced various forms of harassment and violence, including 66 physical attacks, and at least one journalist was killed.

Inactivity of the Press Council
In 2022, the Press Council held eight meetings, but none addressed issues of press freedom or the protection of journalists. Instead, the council focused on organizing events and conducting training workshops. They hosted 22 seminars aimed at educating participants on journalism policies and ethics, but there were no initiatives aimed at improving the quality of newspapers.

Digital Database Initiative
The council attempted to establish a digital database of journalists to improve its operations and effectiveness. Data collection was initiated from **33 districts**, but this effort has largely stalled, showing minimal progress over the past two years.

Meeting Summaries
The agenda of the eight meetings held in 2022 predominantly revolved around administrative matters rather than pressing issues concerning press freedom. Topics included the formation of various committees, planning for the **Press Council Day**, and organizing award ceremonies, rather than addressing the challenges faced by journalists in the field.

Overall, the **Bangladesh Press Council** has struggled to fulfill its mandate of promoting press freedom and enhancing the quality of journalism in the country. Its lack of significant action, coupled with the decline in press freedom rankings and reports of journalist harassment, highlights the pressing need for reforms. The council’s focus on administrative tasks rather than on addressing critical issues affecting the media indicates a disconnect between its objectives and its actions. This raises important questions about the future role and effectiveness of the Press Council in safeguarding press freedoms in Bangladesh.