Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam spoke at a view-exchange meeting with the NOAB at the ministry's conference room today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 8, 2025 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam said the government encourages healthy competition among newspapers and wants to see the industry thrive through ethical practices.

"The government wants to see healthy competition among newspapers. Certain negative practices still exist in the industry, and these must come to an end," he told a view-exchange meeting with the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at the ministry's conference room today.

The adviser said, "We have already begun implementing the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission. We seek cooperation of all stakeholders to implement these reforms." 

The adviser expressed concern over persisting negative trends in the print media sector, urging all stakeholders to shun such practices.

During the meeting, NOAB President A.K. Azad said that over the past 12-13 years, both the circulation and advertising revenue of print newspapers have significantly declined.
 
"Over the past 12 to 13 years, both newspaper circulation and advertising revenue have significantly declined. Despite being a service industry, newspapers are burdened with a 27.5% corporate tax. We propose reducing it to 10% to help the sector survive," he said.

Azad also stressed the need for restructuring the Wage Board and proposed the formation of the board through a search committee to ensure transparency and fairness.

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman praised the Media Reform Commission's report and emphasized the urgency of implementing its actionable recommendations. 

Commenting on government-media relations, the editor said the current government is not attempting to intimidate the press.

In the meeting, NOAB proposed the establishment of a permanent Media Commission to oversee long-term reforms and stability in the sector.

Editors from leading national dailies, including Daily Star Mahfuz Anam, The Daily Sangbad Altaf Mas Kabir, The Financial Express Shamsul Haque Zahid and The Daily Karatoa editor Mozammel Haque, were present at the discussion.