FROM HOTEL ABAKASH: The incumbent government is working on Online Media Policy in the name of controlling the popular news portals.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) trustee board chairperson Advocate Sultana Kamal commented adding more that a different policy to control online portals will hamper the freedom of journalism.

She commented at the TIB press briefing on broadcast policy held at Hotel Abakash in city Thursday noon.

The government has recently drafted the National Online Media Policy 2014, keeping some controlling provisions as similar as in the recently passed broadcast policy.

To a question, Sultana Kamal said, if the drafted online policy is implemented it will hamper the freedom of online media.

According to her, no separate policy or law is needed in the country for online news portals.

She added that though the government takes initiatives to make policy for the freedom of media, in reality, they work to control media.

Moreover, TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said at a press briefing that some sections of broadcast policy contradict constitution, human rights and Right to Information Act.

Though the policy has some positive provisions but some are harmful for media, he opined.

According to him, the policy did not make clear about the definition of anti-state or anti-people activities. This lacking may reflect the government or one’s personal liking and disliking.

BDST: 1430 HRS, AUG 14, 2014