The Information and Broadcasting Minister, Zahir Uddin Swapon, has reiterated that ensuring press freedom remains one of the core commitments of the current government. He stated that, in the past, successive administrations often viewed the media as an adversarial force rather than an independent partner in governance. In contrast, he said, the present government is working to move away from that approach and strengthen full media independence through structured reforms.
He made these remarks on Sunday while addressing a discussion meeting held at the Information Bhaban in the capital to mark World Press Freedom Day. The event was attended by senior government officials, journalists, media professionals, and policy stakeholders.
According to the minister, media freedom cannot be guaranteed through declarations alone. It requires institutional frameworks, policy reforms, and clearly defined implementation strategies. He informed participants that the Ministry of Information has already proposed the formation of a Media Commission aimed at strengthening the regulatory and institutional landscape of the sector. In addition, initiatives are underway to establish a consultative committee that will include a media expert to provide guidance in policy formulation and long-term planning.
The minister also highlighted that structural plans developed prior to the election period to safeguard media independence are being implemented in line with directives from the Prime Minister. The objective, he explained, is to ensure that journalists can operate without administrative or political pressure, allowing for the free and fair dissemination of news.
He further emphasised that the government envisions a media environment that goes beyond information dissemination. The goal, he said, is to transform the media into a strong pillar of democratic accountability and transparency, contributing to good governance and public oversight.
Other speakers at the discussion also underscored the importance of safeguarding media independence while maintaining responsible journalism and ethical standards. They noted that professionalism within the media sector is essential to complement institutional reforms.
Key Initiatives and Focus Areas
| Area of Initiative | Description | Intended Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Media Commission | Proposal initiated by the Ministry of Information | Strengthening institutional and regulatory framework |
| Consultative Committee | Inclusion of a media expert in advisory role | Support for policy development and strategic planning |
| Pre-election Framework | Implementation under Prime Ministerial directives | Protection of media independence during political periods |
| Government Position | Commitment to press freedom reforms | Shift from adversarial to cooperative media relations |
Participants at the event observed that while government-led reforms are essential, the sustainability of media freedom also depends significantly on the responsibility, professionalism, and ethical conduct of journalists. They expressed hope that the implementation of the announced measures would contribute to meaningful improvements in the country’s media landscape.