1.

INTRODUCTION
While people of Bangladesh are enjoying every national events sitting on their sofa and can pass comment on it and can take action over any injustice then the whole praise must go the media. This scenario also indicates the existence of good governance. The terms governance and good governance are not new concepts. In fact the idea of good governance has been practicing since the Aristotle period. But they have recently come to occupy an important place in development literature, and in the concerns and considerations of major international donors. Now the concept of good governance has become a donor driven idea. Indeed, more and more importance is attached to the notion of good governance. Good governance has some characteristics and these characteristics are adopting new factors with the changing world. At present context mass media can play an important role in ensuring good governance, especially, in developing countries where alternative sources of information are scarce. In this assignment I will first explain the ideal functions of mass media in ensuring good governance, then Ill try to analyze the actual role that mass media is playing to ensure good governance in Bangladesh. I will also try to find out the challenges for mass media in Bangladesh in this regard. Finally, I will try to find measures that may make mass media more effective in Bangladesh.

2. CONCEPTUAL ASPECTS
The concept of "governance" simply means the process through which decisions are implemented (or not implemented).1 According to World Bank booklet reports in 1992, governance is the "manner in which power is exercised in the management of a countrys economic and social resources for development".2 Since 1978, the super state, World Bank has proposed a political term called good governance. In general sense good governance means an ideal governing system of a country. According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) Good governance is- ensuring the rule of law, improving the efficiency accountability of the public sector, and tackling corruption.3 Good governance is a form of governance that represents eight

1 2

http://www.unescap.org/huset/gg/governance.htm Khan, M.M., "Urban local Governance in Bangladesh: An overview", Journal of Administration and Diplomacy, Vol.4, No.1 Jan-Jun, p.2, 1996. 3 Merilee S. Grindle, Good Enough Governance Revisited A Report for DFID with reference to the Governance Target Strategy Paper-2001, Harvard University, February 2005.

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specific characteristics, and can be seen as an ideal of governance. According to V. K. Chopra, Good governance embodies processes that are participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, and [which follow] the rule of law.4

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

participatory

equitable and inclusivenes s

consencus oriented

responsiven ess

Good Governance

follows rule of law

transparent accountabl e

effectiveness and efficiency

Chopra, V.K., "The mirage of good governance", Towards good governance, eds; chopra, S.K., Konark publishers Pvt. ltd. Delhi-110092, p.32, 1997.

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Mass media is especially crucial for ensuring good governance at present context. Generally, "media" refers to various means of communication.5 Nowadays, mass media has become increasingly popular. It consists of radio, television, magazines, newspapers, and of course, the Internet.6 In this term paper I will focus on the role of print media (newspapers) and electronic media (TV and Radio channels) of Bangladesh.

3. WORTH OF THIS STUDY

Many often say, there is nothing worth called good governance as the governance is meant to be good. But the reality is that the governance in countries like Bangladesh has been almost never up to the mark to the extent that we can call it good. Besides that, there should always be room for development or progress. In Bangladesh mass media has flourished more rapidly than many other countries of the world. Private media sector have flourished since 1990s. At present there are 15 privately owned TV channels and 5 privately owned FM radio channels with 3 state owned TV channels (BTV, BTV World and Shangshad TV) and 1 state owned radio channel (Bangladesh Betar). Declaration had been given to 496 dailies, of which 298 are being published. Of the news agencies, state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) and privately owned United News of Bangladesh (UNB) are in the mainstream. In one sense, this is a very good sign as mass media is often called the Oxygen for democracy. But, there is a flaming question that is media functioning as the functioning of public voice, to ensure their right to participate and for the sake of good governance or they have emerged as a tool of selling news and goods of the West and serve the interest of the Donor countries in the name of good governance? This is the high time to think about it. Therefore, I think that, this study is considerably relevant at the present context.

http://www.iwebtool.com/computer_glossary. Civil Society - Global Issues - TakingITGlobal issues.tigweb.org/civilsociety.

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4. METHODOLOGY
For this term paper I have followed two methods: Literature reviews and Qualitative interviews. I have reviewed journals, books and articles that are written and discussed about good governance, and about the role of mass media in promoting good governance. I have also gone through the reports of UNESCO and CPJ (Committee to Protect Journalists) which have already worked a lot for this type of topics. Besides I have also browsed websites and interviewed Dr. A J M Shafiul Islam7 and Mahmudul Haque Moni8.

5. PRINCIPLES OF MASS MEDIA

Mass media has some ideal functions that can ensure good governance in a state, although the functions are not being practiced or maintained in every country but more or less these are similar in the democratic countries. These principles are:

Media is the Fourth Estate

Mass Media is to Inform and to Educate

Watch-dog Role of Mass Media

Dr. A J M Shafiul Islam is an associate professor of Dept. of Mass Communication and Journalism at University of Dhaka. 8 Mahmudul Haque Moni was a lecturer of Journalism at University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) and he is also an Assistant Commissioner and Executive Magistrate of Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh.

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5.1 MEDIA IS THE FOURTH ESTATE

Media is called the fourth estate. Liberal theories stress the importance of an independent fourth estate as a check on the abuse of power. Media systems strengthen good governance and promote positive development outcomes most effectively under two conditions:

(i)

Where channels of mass communications are free and independent of established interests and in addition

(ii)

Where there is widespread of diffusion and flexibility of public access to these media. The fourth estate has traditionally been regarded as one of the classic checks and balances in the division of powers.

5.2 WATCH-DOG ROLE OF MASS MEDIA

Mass media plays the watch-dog role for the governing system of a country. Mass media keep an eye on the government and on those involved in governance, highlight policy failures, maladministration, corruption, and scandals.9

5.3 MASS MEDIA IS TO INFORM AND TO EDUCATE

Experts say that mass media should inform the mass people about different decisions and governmental functions, and thereby enhance their knowledge. At the same time mass media play a very significant role to entertain the people. But, the most important thing is that these three functions must be kept in balance. A free, accountable and vibrant mass media disseminates information, informs the public and policy maker alike, creates space for diverse views regarding socio-economic and political processes, and increases peoples scope for democratic participation.10

Chapter 1 in Pippa Norris. 2001. Digital Divide: Civic

Engagement, Information Poverty and the Internet Worldwide. NY: Cambridge University Press.
10

Mohammed Iliyas,The Power of Media to Ensure Good Governance, September 24, 2010, Thinking Youth Blog.

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6. FUNCTIONS OF MASS MEDIA FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

When we talk about good governance we in fact refer to the working relation among the three organs of the state and actions of the executive branch of the state. In operational terms this refer to the satisfaction of fundamental human rights, independence of judiciary, transparency, accountability, predictability, effectiveness and efficiency of the government. Media plays a very significant role by strengthening these terms for good governance. The central characteristics which are being played by media for good governance are ensuring transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness, equity and inclusiveness, public participation in governance, consensus orientation, and rule of law.

6.1 ENSURING TRANSPARENCY

Transparency is widely recognized as a core principle of good governance. Transparency means sharing information and acting in an open manner. Free access to information is a key element in promoting transparency. Information, however, must be timely, relevant, accurate and complete for it to be used effectively.11 The mass media, by keeping policy and decision makers under constant inspection, highlighting policy failures and reporting scams of public money can significantly function in ensuring transparency of government and corporate sectors and the judiciary.12 Media ensures transparency through providing information. Media publishes government reports, decisions, and policies on various issues and gives the people chance to raise questions on those issues and thus put pressure on the government to be transparent.

6.2 ENABLING ACCOUNTABILITY

Accountability refers to "the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions." Accountability means that public institutions and functionaries are obliged to answer the queries of people and to their institutional stakeholders. Free mass media create an informed polity that
11

V. K. Parigi, Dr. P. Geeta, Rameesh Kailasam, Ushering in Transparency for Good Governance, Centre for Good

Governance, Hyderabad, India.

12

Democratic Governance and the Role of Media in promoting Equitable Development: Bangladesh Perspective, by

Governance Advocacy Forum.

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is more prepared to hold their elected representatives accountable. Information is vital for the public to be aware of the governments actions and make the decisions accordingly. Without this information, people cannot demand change or accountability from their government and social institutions. Thus, the mass media acts as a catalyst for creating positive governance outcomes as people, and in turn governments, are motivated to enact changes in the institutional structure that enhance democracy. In addition, an effective mass media also provides policy makers and governments with information which are vital to addressing a nations policy and development needs.13

6.3 INCREASING EFFICIENCY

Mass media enable the people to be informed about the government functionaries to operate efficiently and effectively. It aims to put an end to inconsistent government practices and helps in establishing a responsive state. Good governance requires that processes and institutions produce results that meet the needs of society.

6.4 EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS

Media plays a very remarkable role for a society in promoting the equal rights for everyone. The well being of a society depends on ensuring that all its members feel that they have a stake in it and do not feel excluded from the mainstream of society. Mass media can provide voice to those marginalized because of poverty, gender, or ethnic or religious affiliation. By giving these groups a place in the media, their views and their afflictions become part of mainstream public debate and hopefully contribute to the injustices against them ought to be redressed.

6.5 CREATING PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Public participation is a key cornerstone of good governance. Participation needs to be informed and organized. This means freedom of association and expression on the one hand and an organized civil society on the other hand. The mass media in Bangladesh, especially the print media, plays a role in informing the public of governance-related concerns such as the
13

Irum Shehreen Ali, Governance and the Media, The State of Governance in Bangladesh 2006, Centre for Governance Studies, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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government and oppositions political performance and internal governance, electoral process issues and public corruption. The electronic media provides a discursive space for debate and expression of views to the polity for political actors that are not available within mainstream political institutions.14

6.6 ASSISTING CONSENSUS ORIENTED DECISION MAKING

There are several actors and as many view points in a given society. Good governance requires mediation of the different interests in society to reach a broad consensus in society on what is in the best interest of the whole community and how this can be achieved. It also requires a broad and long-term perspective on what is needed for sustainable human development and how to achieve the goals of such development. This can only result from an understanding of the historical, cultural and social contexts of a given society or community which is promoted by the media. The media can also help in building peace and social consensus, without which democracy is threatened.

6.7 PROTECTING RULE OF LAW

Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It also requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force. 15 Where the rule of law is weak and the judiciary is unable and unwilling to defend press rights corruption level is higher in those countries. This is a big challenge against good governance in a country.

6.8 OTHER ROLES OF MEDIA:

Other roles of media in promoting good governance are something like the followings: Open democracy and open pluralistic societies. Strengthening a transparent, accountable, effective and efficient national and local government. 14 15

Promotion of respect and for human rights.

Ibid. http://www.unescap.org/pdd/prs/ProjectActivities/Ongoing/gg/governance.asp

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Promotion of anti-corruption initiatives.16 Drawing attention to institutional failings corruption, fraud, waste, inefficiency, cronyism, nepotism, abuse of power.

Making people more aware of political issues and options and helping to stimulate debate.

Protect secrecy of the internal information of government. Enabling people to have access to government programs, schemes and benefits. Making people more aware of their rights and entitlements. Popular participation in decision making and implementation. Efficient delivery system of services and goods. Promote an equalitarian social and economic order. Highlight citizen grievances.17

Mass media can make full use of their potential to contribute to the consolidation of good governance if their rights are protected. Moreover they need to have the requisite skills for the kind of textured and in-depth reporting that new democracies require. Because mass media are powerful, there should also be mechanisms to ensure that they are held accountable to the public and that ethical and professional standards are upheld.

16

Hussain Saddat, Good Governance- A case for training intervention, proshikkyan, Journal of Bangladesh society for training and development (BSTD), vol. 2, No.1, p.2, Jan-Jun, 1995. 17 The Right to Information Act, 2005 - A Guide for Media published by Centre for Good Governance (CGG), Hyderabad - 500033, Andhra Pradesh

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7. CHALLENGES FOR MASS MEDIA IN ENSURING GOOD GOVERNANCE

In Bangladesh, mass media face a number of challenges which often move them away from their ideal role that is required to ensure good governance. I have tried to identify some of the major problems:

7.1 LEGAL BARRIERS

The article 39(1) of the constitution of Bangladesh has guaranteed freedom of speech and consciousness and at the same time the guarantee has been subjected to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence. Though the Right to Information(RTI) Act 2009 came into effect with the gazette notification published by the government on 6 April 2009. But, this information overrides inconsistent provisions in other laws, such as the Official Secrets Act of 1923, Evidence Act of 1872, the Rules of Business of 1996, and the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules of 1979. An example about the contempt of court can be given here, on September 16, 2000 daily Manab Zamin published a front-page story on certain reported documents under the title Ek Rajokio Kelenkarir Khoshra(Notes of a Royal Scandal). It was widely believed that the conversation took place between a judge and Ershad(former President). It was recorded in a tape. The tape was sent to then President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed. After about two months, Attorny General Mahmudul Islam brought it to the notice of Chief Justice. The Chief Justice reffered the matter to a High Court Bench and the Court issued a contempt of court rule against Manab Zamin. The attorney General also moved against Sangbad, Ittefaq, Janakantha and Jugantar for publishing comments of a former judge of the High Court, whose comments were based on alleged judicial corruption. Although the court issued rule against the dailies, it didnt issue any notice against him. 18

18

Billah, Masum, Government and Media Governance in Bangladesh, 2010.

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7.2 GOVERNMENT CONTROL

The ownership of mass media and content of publication are not subject to direct government restrictions. But, experts say that government control over the mass media still remains through heavy taxation and distribution of government advertisements and subsidy. Mahmudul Hauque finds these both as detrimental for the neutrality of mass media. Because, in both cases mass media try to remain in favor of the government and in such circumstances mass media fail to develop their standard. During the last BNP government, the daily Inquilab topped the list of government advertisements. Among the English dailies, the Independent received the highest amount of government advertisements.19It is also being seen that government force media to keep secrecy of different events and crime. It may also to avoid public chaos. But many often it is used to protect the fame of the government.

7.3 POLITICAL REGIME BIASED OWNERSHIP

In Bangladesh it has been evident that the license of TV channels and newspapers are given selectively during different political regimes. Dr. Shafiul Islam said that the owners of mass media are very powerful and it becomes quiet impossible for the journalists to act neutrally. We have seen that during the last BNP regime Ekushey TV went off the air in August 2002 after losing an appeal against a High Court decision that its license to broadcast was illegal.20 But the fact was that the channel got license during the Awami League regime and was believed to have connections with that party. Thus, mass media has become a tool to express the views of their owners not to empower the mass people.

7.4 CORRUPTION
Corruption has been, since the last decade a severe problem in Bangladesh. Mass media sector is not out of it. The capitalist owners and stake holders of this sector are political leaders, business magnates including export-import companies. Moreover, one person holds the ownership of more than one TV channel or newspaper. So, this concentrated ownership makes the media sector involved in corruption as the owners have been and are alleged of corruption. Sometimes
19 20

Ibid. The State of Governance in Bangladesh: 2006, Civil Society and the Media: Who will Watch the Watchdogs?, Centre for Governance Studies, BRAC University.

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journalists also publish false news and blackmail many people and as they have full control over their published news, they can change it anyway and make a false representation for any of their concerned interest and no matter govt. sue case next, but the false news is disseminated to the public already.

7.5 MARKET ORIENTED JOURNALISM

Mass media has, nowadays become market oriented, that preserve the capitalist-profit-business interest of their respective business group.21 Mass media in Bangladesh are now business companies that need profit, says Dr. Shafiul Islam. It has been seen on 3 September, 2009 that, the NTV news of 10.30 pm had 20 minutes of advertisements within its 47 minutes of news. The channels have sold different parts of their news to different sponsors. Some examples are: Citycell news headline, Eastern Bank advertisement break, Green Delta Insurance Trade news, National Bank Economics news, Anondo Alo Cultural news etc. In the prominent dailies Prothom Alo and Daily Star, news comes with wrappings of advertisements.22 This marked oriented journalism would never be able to give the people voice and participatory right, if they havent changed their motive from profit making.

7.6 VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS

Violence against journalists is a common phenomenon in Bangladesh. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), in its report of 2004 had identified Bangladesh as one of the most unsafe country for journalists. CPJ shows that since 1992, 12 journalists are killed, 13 are murdered and 8 are murdered with impunity.23 Due to fear of life Journalist cannot work effectively and have to compromise with their professional ethic. Recently 1jouranalist couple name Sagor and Runi was murdered for unknown reason and still the murderer are not arrested.

7.7 DIGITAL DIVIDE

The Digital Divide is widening everyday in developing countries like Bangladesh. Unequal access to technology, economic barriers, literacy barriers, language barriers (in the case of the
21 22

, , Ibid. 23 http://www.cpj.org/asia/bangladesh/

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aborigines), lack of social environment etc are main reasons behind this divide. Moreover the gap between rich and poor is increasing day by day. So, information become segregated and people all over the country lack pertinent information. In fact, many are totally unconscious about what they actually want from mass media.

7.8 LACK OF STANDARDS

In Bangladesh, the journalists simply assert an event or matter instead of being bothered about the scene behind that. Mass media do not talk about the poor and deprived people, say the experts. Journalists also do not follow up a news regularly. Moreover, yellow journalism has always been a trouble. Dr. Shafiul Islam says, mass media in Bangladesh work just as stereo typing and do not speak about social inequality in any effective way. He leaves a question that do the mass media in Bangladesh think about a just society? They are just entertaining the people but a few programs are to enlighten them, he concludes. He adds, as the number of channels is increasing, people are getting more and more entertainment. Moreover, we have seen that many newspapers engage in publishing sensational news just to increase circulation. Mahmudul Haque says, there are no written rules or principles in most of the media houses so the journalists dont even know what he or she should or shouldnt do. But again some journalists are very much aware about their news. May be it is because they actually want to provide good information or they just want to uphold their carrier.

7.9 LACK OF MASS MEDIA EDUCATION

Lack of education has been always a big challenge for Bangladesh. People here, lack mass media education, thats why sometimes, mass media loss credibility and acceptance. People switch the urgent programs to entertaining program, as the control of changing program is in their hand. Moreover, many of the mass people dont realize the gravity of the power that mass media give them through providing information, with which they can participate in the process of governance of the country. Mahmudul Haque says, mass media often state that people dont want to watch the program that media want to show, on the other hand, mass people state that the media dont provide them program that they want to watch. Therefore, lack of mass media education also contributes as a challenge for strong mass media in Bangladesh.

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8. EXPECTED ACTIONS OF MASS MEDIA FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN BANGLADESH

Though there are lots of challenges, mass media have definitely widened the space for public debate on various issues. Some measures can be taken to make mass media more effective for ensuring good governance.

FIRSTLY, mass media should overcome the barrier of getting information. They should publish or
broadcast the issues on which they are incapable of getting information due to legal barriers, but they consider those issues as important for the people to know. Thus, they can create public pressure on the government so that government cannot hide any important matter in the name of official secrecy or state security.24

SECONDLY, we should think some alternative to overcome the challenge of concentrated

ownership. Dr. Shafiul Islam thinks that public broadcasting is a good alternative; the media may be owned by the government but controlled by the people. It may be more like community media where the consumers are producers; the relationship is both-way. The political parties should also understand and maintain the difference between government and party.

THIRDLY, it is very difficult to wipe out corruption, but mass media themselves can do this to a
large extent. One media house can bring the news of corruption of other houses. Experts say that although this may be called yellow journalism and may seem as individual rivalry, but there may be a little truth. By bringing the news into public account a space for debate will be risen and public will demand the truth.

FOURTHLY, excessive market orientation can be resolved by adopting effective policy of

broadcasting and publishing of advertisements. Mass media themselves can do this or the

24

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government should make such kind of policy and legal actions should be taken against those who do not follow the policy.25

FIFTHLY, government should ensure safety of the journalists by enacting strict laws and
implementing them effectively. Moreover, journalists themselves can take nonviolent action. They can abstain from publishing any news of the parties by which they have been tortured. 26 Journalists should also get justice against any violence to their rights.

SIXTHLY, people may have access to mass media by cooperative activity. Those who cannot
afford a television set alone can buy it joining with others and thus have the access to TV channels. Again, newspapers should be available at public places, such as bus stops, railway stations, and school, college and university campuses and of course in libraries.

SEVENTHLY, journalists should move to more investigative and embedded journalism. They
should not only report about policies made but also investigate about the implementation or non implementation of the policies. In many cases too much subjectivity cannot bring any good result. So, mass media should be objective to ensure good governance.

FINALLY, media houses should survey about the public choice and their reaction about media
contents. They should give participatory scope to the people and speak for the most deprived and disadvantaged. The process should be bottom to top rather than top to bottom.

Moreover, media should serve the function that media is meant to do for the public. At the same time media should also help the government by providing the real scenario of the publics and places so that government can execute its responsibility to the public.

25 26

Ibid, p. 16-17. Ibid, p. 30.

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9. CONCLUSION
Mass media is essential for democracy and good governance. The role of mass media plays in Bangladesh is not sufficient for the purpose like ensuring good governance. At present it is being said that journalists of different mass media houses are being provoked to abuse, misuse but bring the breaking news to increase their audience and fame. But, it doesnt mean that mass media always provide fake news. In fact, mass media have, in spite of their faults and lacking, working as peoples parliament and widened the scope of public debate and discussion. But, this sector needs a massive restructuring and reorganizing in order to ensure good governance in countries like Bangladesh.

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