DCs directed to appoint media 'focal persons' to ensure transparency

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana announced on Wednesday that the government has instructed all Deputy Commissioners to appoint designated "focal persons" at the district level to ensure the smooth and transparent flow of information to journalists.

The secretary made the remarks while speaking to reporters following the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's working session on the fourth day of the ongoing DC Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. 

Addressing concerns about the bureaucratic hurdles frequently faced by local journalists seeking official information, Farzana stated that the government is moving toward a more structured communication system. 

She said the appointed focal persons will directly coordinate with the media to provide necessary updates, enabling journalists to report with greater accuracy and transparency.

When asked about the general reluctance of government officials to speak in front of television cameras, the secretary explained that appearing on broadcast media involves specific administrative protocols. 

"It is natural that not everyone wants to appear on television. There are certain guidelines to follow, and one often needs clearance from the Cabinet Secretary to determine if they are an appropriate government spokesperson," she explained, suggesting that broadcast journalists could rely on written statements in such situations.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahiruddin Swapon also addressed the briefing, acknowledging the rapidly evolving landscape of modern media and the current gap between media demands and the government's informational readiness. 

He noted that the concept of media has expanded far beyond the traditional press to encompass broadcasting, telecommunications, social media, and digital platforms. 

"I honestly admit there is a gap between what the media requires and our current level of preparedness," the minister said. "However, as an elected government, we have identified these weaknesses. We will soon transition into a modern information management system, and we have instructed the deputy commissioners to begin preparations for this shift."

The briefing was also attended by the Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting, Zahed Ur Rahman, and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed.