Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed concern about what he described as the increasing influence of business interests over Bangladesh’s media landscape, arguing that many outlets are no longer functioning as independent media organisations.
Speaking at a discussion programme titled ‘Mass Media and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’ organised at Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Sunday marking the martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Mirza Fakhrul said the media sector is currently facing significant challenges, with commercial considerations increasingly shaping editorial priorities and institutional behaviour.
According to the minister, many media organisations now appear to represent the interests of business groups rather than operating solely as independent platforms for journalism and public discourse.
“Today, the media sector is facing challenges. The biggest problem is that the media is no longer truly media; it has become a representative of business houses,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul also criticised what he described as a culture of excessive loyalty and favouritism in parts of the media industry. Referring to the previous administration, he said certain sections of the media had engaged in practices that undermined professional journalism and public trust.
He urged media professionals to draw lessons from that period and use their experiences to strengthen ethical journalism and institutional independence. The minister assured journalists that the government stands beside those working to uphold professional standards in the sector.
During his speech, Fakhrul also reflected on the legacy of Ziaur Rahman, praising the former president's contributions to national development and democratic governance.
He said Ziaur Rahman played a significant role in advancing multiple sectors of the country, promoting the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism and helping establish democracy as an effective political system.
Fakhrul argued that Bangladesh could have achieved even greater progress had Ziaur Rahman remained alive longer. He also rejected longstanding criticisms directed at the former president, describing him as both a statesman and a national hero.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about media independence, ownership concentration and the future direction of journalism in Bangladesh.
