Bangladesh’s newly appointed Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Zahir Uddin Swapon, has pledged to ensure a safe and fear-free working environment for all journalists in the country. Speaking to the media, he emphasised that protecting reporters from threats, intimidation, or political pressure is a key governmental priority.
Swapon assumed office following the swearing-in of the new 50-member cabinet led by Tarique Rahman, the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on Tuesday afternoon. The day after taking the oath, on Wednesday at 1:15 pm, the minister held a brief discussion with journalists at the Secretariat, outlining his vision for media freedom and safety.
Reflecting on his own political experiences, Swapon acknowledged the pressures of working under fear and scrutiny. “We understand the psychological strain and complex challenges faced by those who work under constant threat,” he said. “For professions like journalism, where individuals are perpetually under observation, these challenges can be particularly severe.”
He further elaborated on the government’s approach, stating, “We have reached the root of the issues. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has provided clear directives to enhance both the independence and security of the media. Following this guidance, we will work towards creating a genuinely fear-free environment for journalism in Bangladesh, Insha’Allah.”
Among his initial priorities as Information and Broadcasting Minister are ensuring journalist safety, fostering a fair and transparent media environment, and strengthening press freedom across the nation. Experts view these initiatives as a crucial step towards empowering journalists to collect and report information without fear, thereby fortifying the foundations of Bangladesh’s democratic system.
The table below summarises the key positions and responsibilities within the new cabinet:
| Cabinet Position | Minister Name | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Minister | Tarique Rahman | Government leadership, policy-making |
| Minister of Information & Broadcasting | Zahir Uddin Swapon | Media safety, information policy, journalist support |
| Finance Minister | — | Budget management, economic policy |
| Education Minister | — | Educational policy and development |
| Home Minister | — | Law enforcement and public security |
The cabinet’s proactive measures have raised optimism that Bangladesh’s media sector will operate with greater independence and transparency. Analysts suggest that, if effectively implemented, these policies will enable journalists to perform their duties without fear, ultimately strengthening democratic governance and public trust in the nation’s institutions.