S.M. Rezwan-Ul-Alam

Concerns over freedom of the media are not new in Bangladesh. There has been debate, criticism, and international assessment for many years. Bangladesh’s position in various global indices has also come up repeatedly, with the latest World Press Freedom Index putting it at 152th place out of 180 countries.

Communication is now one of the most decisive forces governing the state in Bangladesh. Policymaking, administrative control, and conventional political management remain as necessary as ever, but they are no longer enough on their own. Today, a rumour can spread faster than an official instruction.

Through the general election on February 12, Bangladesh has entered a new political reality.

Bangladesh is entering a decisive phase in its approach to governing its media. The proposed Broadcasting Ordinance, 2026 and the National Media Commission Ordinance, 2026 make this evident.

The smoke that rose from Karwan Bazar during the early hours of December 19 did not begin with fire.

During the last election cycle, the country witnessed a relatively small but calculated deployment of deepfakes.

Self-regulation is a moral and accountable means through which the media makes itself responsible to the public

There is a persistent disconnect between the RTI law and the people it intends to serve.