Government forms new committee for Press Council

The government has formed a new committee for the Bangladesh Press Council with a two-year mandate, according to a notice issued by the information ministry on Monday, bdnews24.com reports.

The newly constituted committee comprises representatives from journalists’ associations, the Editors’ Council, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Bangladesh Bar Council.

Key members include Obaidur Rahman Shahin, acting president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ); Daulat Akhtar Mala, president of the Economic Reporters’ Forum; and Md Shahidul Islam, president of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ). Editors Mahfuz Anam (The Daily Star), Nurul Kabir (New Age), and Dewan Hanif Mahmud (Bonik Barta) are also among the appointees.

From the editorial and publishing sector, the committee features Shamsul Huq Zahid (The Financial Express), Ramiz Uddin Chowdhury (Dainik Purbokone), and Akhtar Hossain Khan, advisor to the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB).

Other members include Prof Mohammad Azam, director general of Bangla Academy; Md Fakhrul Islam, UGC secretary; and Zainul Abedin, vice-chairman of the Bangladesh Bar Council.

The tenure of the nominated members will be effective for two years from the date of notification.

Previously, the interim government appointed retired High Court Justice Md AKM Abdul Hakim as the new chairman of the Press Council on a three-year contract. His predecessor, Justice Md Nizamul Huq—appointed during the Awami League’s tenure—was removed from the position on September 9, 2024.