TV channels to publish code of conduct : Adviser Mahfuj Alam

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam said that the government is working closely with stakeholders to digitalise the country’s cable TV networks. “A view-exchange meeting has already been held in this regard, and another round of discussions with concerned stakeholders will be held soon.”

The Information Adviser called on all private television channels to formulate and publicly publish their own code of conduct to ensure greater transparency and accountability to the public.

This will help strengthen accountability to the people,” he said today (October 8) while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with a delegation of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) in Dhaka. “The publishing of the code of conduct will allow the general public to judge whether a channel is adhering to its own standards. The ATCO representatives further mentioned that private TV channels are currently operating without government interference or pressure.

Referring to Television Rating Points (TRP), the adviser Mahfuj said discussions are ongoing with the Posts and Telecommunications Division and Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited, expressing hope that a decision will soon be made to bring transparency and standardization to the TRP system.

ATCO leaders emphasized the urgent need for digitalizing cable TV and proposed setting a specific timeframe for its implementation during the meeting. Leaders also underscored the importance of including stakeholders’ feedback in drafting any new laws or policies related to private TV channels.