Bangladesh orders state TV to broadcast opposition news proportionally
The government has directed state-run television channels to broadcast the statements and activities of opposition parties on a proportional basis. Information and State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury announced the directive during a press conference in Dhaka.
In a significant shift regarding state media coverage, the government of Bangladesh has officially ordered state-controlled television channels to allocate airtime proportionally for the statements and activities of opposition parties. This new administrative directive applies directly to prominent state broadcasters including Bangladesh Television and Sangsad Television, ensuring that national airwaves are no longer exclusively reserved for the ruling administration.
The policy change was formally unveiled during an official press conference held at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Information and State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury announced the landmark decision before assembled journalists, detailing how the state media apparatus must restructure its daily broadcasting routines to accommodate diverse political voices from across the political spectrum.
Elaborating on the rationale behind the new media directive, Information and State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury emphasized that the era of one-sided state broadcasting has officially ended. He stated, "Government televisions will not broadcast news exclusively about members of parliament and ministers from the ruling party. In a proportional manner, along with members of the parliamentary opposition, the news of opposition parties outside parliament must also be broadcast."
Chowdhury further underscored the fundamental principles of democratic discourse, noting that public-funded media platforms must give space to critical viewpoints as well. He remarked, "At least their words, whether they are speaking against the government or in favor, the words that are in favor of the people, must be highlighted. This is democracy." Additionally, addressing the media representatives present at the Secretariat, the State Minister offered encouragement regarding positive journalism, stating, "When you do positive news, we will be encouraged, the government will be encouraged. We are also human beings. When you highlight our positive news, we will get the inspiration to do better work and improve further."
The press conference also featured remarks from Information and Broadcasting Minister Andalib Rahman, who spoke alongside Chowdhury to address broader issues concerning press freedom and the current political climate in Bangladesh. Minister Rahman stated that over the past six months, neither the government nor the Prime Minister's office had issued any specific directives instructing the media on what particular news items must be published or broadcasted.
Contextualizing the operational environment of the nation, Minister Rahman noted that the country is currently navigating a delicate transitional phase. He explained, "Bangladesh is currently passing through an extremely sensitive time. The government has to take into consideration the global reality alongside the internal situation of the country." Following these announcements made at the Secretariat on Tuesday, August 25, the relevant authorities and broadcasting stakeholders have been instructed to implement the proportional opposition coverage decisions immediately.
