Dhaka, Sept 21: The proposed "Online Mass Media Policy 2012" came under fire from online media owners and bloggers, who described it as an attempt by the government to control the media.(The Independent)

At a discussion on the proposed government policy, organised by Sangbad Unnomochon at Mukti Bhabban, spokespersons of online media vented their frustration and demanded withdrawal of the proposed policy, as early as possible. The speakers alleged that the government was trying to control the activity of online media outlets, despite its approval of the right to information and citizen journalism.

Criticising the proposed move as a tool to curb the freedom of the media, they further alleged that this is not only an attempt at imposing control on online media, but also on the progress of civilisation. On September 12, the government announced the proposed "Online Mass Media Policy 2012", stirring a debate on the social sites about whether the government was trying to slap control on the freedom of speech and information.

The policy outlines Tk. 5 lakh licence fee payable to the information ministry, for each online media entity. For renewing the license, a media owner has to pay an annual fee of Tk. 50,000, it adds.

The policy also states that if necessary, the government may raise the licence and renewal fees.

Ruhin Hossain Prince, a member of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), observed that it was ironic that the government should adopt a policy to control online media when it had already approved the Right to Information Act.

He suggested that the government should consult with the owners of online media outlets before implementing the proposed policy.

When the government should take measures to further the reach of our language, it was trying to obstruct the efforts of online media in this regard, the communist leader said.

Talking to The Independent, Hedayetullah Al Mamun, secretary of the information ministry, said that the introduction of the proposed policy did not mean government control of social media or blogs.