British High Commissioner calls on Adviser Mahfuz Alam

British High Commissioner to Dhaka Sarah Cooke met with Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam at the latter's office at the Secretariat yesterday.

During the meeting, they discussed the ongoing activities of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, according to a press release.

Mahfuz said that several reform initiatives have been undertaken following the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission. He added that the formulation of an ordinance concerning the responsibilities and protection of journalists is also under consideration.

Highlighting the ministry's efforts in disseminating information about the events of the July Uprising, Mahfuz stated that several documentaries on the uprising have been produced at the ministry's initiatives which are currently being aired by various media outlets.

He further mentioned that several publications have also been released on the July Uprising, and more documentaries and publications will be produced by the ministry in observance of the upcoming August 5 celebration.

Mentioning that there is no government interference in the country's media, Mahfuz said that the current interim government is committed to ensuring press freedom.

British High Commissioner Sarah Cook remarked that Bangladesh has improved its rank in this year's World Press Freedom Index. She thanked the Bangladesh government for this achievement.

The High Commissioner also shared her experiences regarding the freedom and responsibilities of the British media and expressed her interest in working collaboratively to develop Bangladesh's media sector.

Several issues of mutual interest between the two countries were also discussed during the meeting.

British High Commission (BHC) Second Secretary Ellie Booth was present at the meeting.

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