The Bangladesh Press Council has proposed introducing a system for registering and certifying journalists, imposing financial penalties on editors, publishers and journalists for publishing false or defamatory reports, and setting minimum qualifications for newspaper editors, including a bachelor's degree, relevant training and at least 10 years of journalistic experience.
 
The proposals were presented at a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday. However, a committee member who attended the meeting said the proposals were not discussed.
 
The Press Council's draft recommendations include 19 proposed amendments to the Press Council Act, 1974, and seven amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, 1973.
 
Under the proposals, the council seeks the authority to create an online database to identify fake journalists, register and certify media professionals, and impose restrictions on individuals working in multiple professions simultaneously.
 
Press Council Secretary Md Abdus Sabur Khan said the proposals had been submitted at the ministry's request following discussions among the council's members.
 
The draft also seeks powers to impose financial penalties and establish tribunals to deal with complaints involving false and harassing reports, violations of the code of conduct, and activities deemed contrary to journalistic ethics and professional standards.
 
The council has proposed bringing online news outlets and news portals under its regulatory jurisdiction. It has also called for legal assistance and protection for journalists facing lawsuits, threats or physical attacks in connection with the performance of their professional duties.
 
To strengthen journalists' employment rights, the council has recommended legal amendments to ensure the issuance of appointment letters and regular payment of salaries. It has also proposed a provision allowing the cancellation of a newspaper's declaration if three months' salary and allowances remain unpaid.
 
In addition, newspapers receiving government benefits would be required to submit annual audit reports under the proposed amendments.
 
The council has also outlined measures to strengthen its institutional independence and financial capacity. These include collecting levies at prescribed rates based on newspaper circulation, establishing branch offices outside Dhaka, and setting up monitoring and research cells.
 
If implemented, the proposals would significantly expand the Press Council's regulatory authority over journalists and media organisations. However, the draft recommendations have not yet been approved, and their presentation at the parliamentary committee meeting does not mean that the proposed changes have been adopted.