Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that the responsibility for defining professional accountability in journalism rests with media institutions themselves, while the government’s role is to safeguard press freedom within a structured legal framework.
Speaking at a memorial event organised by the Barishal Press Club on Friday, the minister said the state should create conditions that allow journalists to operate independently, but that ethical and professional boundaries should be determined by the media community.
“Journalistic institutions must define the profession themselves,” he said. “The state’s responsibility is to provide an organised framework and ensure freedom within it.”
Swapan also indicated that decisions regarding government support mechanisms for journalists should be shaped in consultation with media professionals, suggesting a collaborative approach to policy formulation.
Referring to rapid technological and social changes, the minister said the definition and flow of information have transformed significantly in recent years. He stressed that regulatory and professional practices must adapt to reflect this evolving landscape.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions about media regulation, digital information management and the balance between accountability and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
The programme was chaired by Barishal Press Club President Asinul Islam Khasru and conducted by General Secretary SM Zakir Hossain. Among those in attendance were Barishal Range Deputy Inspector General Manjur Morshed Alam and former National Press Club General Secretary Elias Khan, along with senior officials and members of the local media community.
The minister’s comments are likely to contribute to broader national debate over how best to protect press freedom while maintaining professional standards in an increasingly complex media environment.
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