The leaders of the Editors' Council met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Public Administration Meeting Room of the Cabinet Division in the Secretariat on Sunday, raising a range of issues concerning media freedom, regulatory reform and the working environment for journalists.
During the meeting, the Editors' Council called for repeal and amendment of what it described as "undemocratic provisions" in existing media legislation, arguing that several outdated legal clauses continue to obstruct press freedom and undermine Bangladesh's media image internationally. In particular, the council objected to Form B of the declaration of publication under the Printing Presses and Publications (Declaration and Registration) Act, 1973, where publishers are required to declare, "I, hereby further declare that I will refrain from publishing any matter that is against the interests of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh or is objectionable in my newspaper and I will be bound to follow all the rules of the Act." The council termed this provision inconsistent with constitutional guarantees and demanded its repeal.
The delegation also proposed the formation of a dedicated media commission or strengthening of the Press Council to ensure institutional reform. In response, the Prime Minister directed the Information Minister to complete relevant assessments by June and initiate steps so that visible progress could be undertaken by July.
The Prime Minister emphasised the need for a self regulatory framework for the media. In line with this, the Editors' Council informed the meeting that it would move towards adopting a "Code of Conduct" for journalists by July 2026.
The Editors' Council also submitted a list of 282 journalists facing various legal cases, stating that 94 of them are implicated in murder related charges. The Prime Minister assured the delegation that the matter would be discussed with the Ministry of Home Affairs. He further stated that the government does not see itself as a regulator of the media but as a facilitator, adding that "a strong media is an essential part of the state" and his administration would work to support that role.
The meeting was attended by Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury and Prime Minister's Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman.
Editors' Council President Nurul Kabir, General Secretary Dewan Hanif, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Haque Zahid, Dainik Inkilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Suprabhat Bangladesh Editor Russo Mahmud and Dainik Karatoya Editor Md Mozammel Haque were among those present.
The meeting also discussed broader contemporary media issues. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibli and Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon were also present.
