JS body for archiving history of 1990, July Uprising alongside Liberation War

The parliamentary standing committee on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has stressed the need to preserve the history of 1990 mass uprising and the 2024 July Mass Uprising alongside that of the 1971 War of Liberation in the country’s national documentaries and archival records.

The recommendation came at the second meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on the ministry held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Tuesday with the committee chairman Amanullah Aman in the chair.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Andaleeve Rahman Partho, and State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury were present in the meeting. Also in attendance were committee members and lawmakers Md Ashraf Uddin, Md Mojibur Rahman, Nilofar Chowdhury Moni, Fahmida Haque, Md Shafiqul Islam, and Mst Najmun Nahar.

The ministry secretary, senior officials of its departments and agencies, heads of relevant organisations and officials of the Jatiya Sangsad Secretariat were also present.

The meeting emphasised incorporating the history of the two mass uprisings into important documentaries and archival documents preserved through the Bangladesh Film Archive, alongside other significant historical events.

The committee also underscored the need to reassess the role of Bangladesh Television (BTV), stressing that the state-owned broadcaster should remain accountable to the state and society rather than seek to become a commercial television channel.

It said BTV’s objectives should be clearly defined, taking into account the social impact of its news and programmes. News coverage should prioritise significance and relevance, while programmes should be designed to gain public acceptance.

The meeting also discussed preparing a list, including names and designations, of officials under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its subordinate agencies who were allegedly forced into retirement unethically or denied promotions over the past 17 years. A list of programmes and initiatives cancelled during the same period is also expected to be presented at the next meeting.

The committee stressed ensuring transparency and accountability across all activities under the ministry. It also decided to visit Bangladesh Television and the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC).

Ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations, the meeting recommended that all concerned extend cooperation and play an active role in ensuring that members of the Hindu community can celebrate the religious festival freely and without disruption.