Press Council may get power to set minimum educational qualification for journalists, information minister tells parliament

The government is planning to amend the Press Council Act, 1974 to set a minimum educational qualification for journalists and to add provisions for punitive action against those involved in spreading false and misleading information.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaliv Rahman gave this information on Thursday (November 12) in a written reply to a question in the Jatiya Sangsad. Replying to a question from independent MP Sultana Jesmin, the minister said the government plans to turn the Press Council into a stronger, more effective and media-friendly institution.

Under the proposed amendment, like the Bar Council, the Press Council will also get the power to register journalists and create an online database of genuine journalists. Alongside ensuring journalists' professional standards and recognition, the institution may also be given the responsibility of setting their minimum educational qualification.

The minister said there is a proposal to include in the law specific punishments, including fines, against editors, publishers and journalists who violate the code of conduct, in order to ensure quality journalism. False and harassing reports, and publication of news against journalistic principles and public interest, will also be considered under this.

In addition, if news is published or printed in violation of the journalistic code of conduct or harming public interest, the Press Council will get the power to start an investigation on its own initiative against the media outlet, editor, publisher and journalists concerned and to issue necessary orders. There is also a proposal to apply this power in cases of rumours, fake news and hate speech.

Meanwhile, replying to a supplementary question from BNP MP Zainul Abdin Faruk, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury said the government is regularly discussing and consulting with various journalist organisations, including the DRU, BFUJ and DUJ.

He said there is a plan to create a database of genuine journalists based on the advice of these organisations. The government believes journalist organisations are the appropriate party to propose the criteria for who will be considered a journalist.

The state minister also said it is not proper for the government to determine who can enter which profession or how people will express their opinions. He said the government believes in freedom of expression, and is at the same time committed to ensuring objective and accurate information everywhere.