Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam stated that the government will review the status of media outlets owned by ministers and MPs during what he referred to as the previous fascist regime. This review will include checking whether these outlets are paying taxes, with appropriate actions to follow.

He made these remarks on Monday during a stakeholder meeting at the Department of Films and Publications (DFP). Alam highlighted that many ministers and parliamentarians became media owners in the past and emphasized the need to assess the current condition of those outlets.

To improve the overall quality of newspapers, he said the government will form a task force. This task force will work transparently to verify actual circulation figures, implement wage board policies, set advertisement rates, and support the general development of newspapers.

Alam also noted that only those media outlets that follow government policies will be eligible for state ads and facilities. He stressed the importance of verifying whether media institutions are fulfilling their tax obligations.

While clarifying that the government does not intend to shut down any newspaper, he added that transparency must be ensured at every stage of publication. A competitive environment among different outlets is essential, he said.

According to an official press release from the ministry, the meeting also discussed determining accurate circulation figures, improving audit mechanisms, and ensuring transparency in the distribution of government advertisements.

Participants in the meeting included Media Reform Commission head Kamal Ahmed, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Director General of the Department of Films and Publications Khaleda Begum, journalism professor Dr. Giti Ara Nasreen, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, BFUJ Secretary General Qader Gani Chowdhury, DUJ President Shahidul Islam, and Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, among others.