DHAKA, July 10, 2025 (BSS)- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has taken several reform initiatives based on the recommendations of the Mass Media Reform Commission.

Several meetings were held in the ministry for implementation of the reform activities when concerned topics were discussed, a press release of the ministry today said.

In light of the recommendations, decision has been taken to formulate ordinance related to safety of the journalistic rights. The ordinance will be promulgated within shortest possible time after discussion with stakeholders.

The release said, decision has been taken to refor the newspaper circulation auditing system. Along with this, the advertisement rate of the newspapers would be increased gradually.

As per the recommendations of the commission, decision also has been taken to conduct annual survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics for reviewing the expectation and achievement of the audience, onlookers and the readers about the mass media.

Beside this, decision will be taken after consultation with Bangladesh Competition Commission whether any strategy is being followed in the advertisement industry which is against unhealthy competition.

The collateral fee against license of the FM radio will be reduced to a rational level. Even a prescribed fee should be paid to the radio authority for broadcasting advertisement on the FM radio.

Decision has been taken to cancel the provision of two percent of the advertisement income which is usually being deducted as government fee. But the government announcement should be broadcasted at free of cost.

Decision will be taken on reduction of the advance tax on the honorarium of the columnist, artist, guest producer or discussants of the mass media after consultation with the National Board of Revenue (NBR).

Primary decision has been taken as per the recommendation of the commission to withdraw the mandatory provision of using the Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited (BSCL) for uplink and downlink of the television channels. The final decision also will be taken after discussion with the BSCL.

Necessary steps will be taken for increasing the capacity of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) and National Mass Media Institute and make those organizations befitting to the time.

Primary decision also has been taken to establish a BCS Information Academy for training of the Information Service Officials.