Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday said that the foremost prerequisite for the free flow of information is accurate and objective data.
“While freedom of information is desirable, preventing misinformation and ensuring clean information remains the greatest challenge for society and the state,” he said.
He made these remarks while addressing the chief guest at a seminar marking the World Press Freedom Day 2026 held at North South University (NSU) in the capital, organised by the university’s Media, Communication and Journalism (MCJ) Department.
The World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on 3 May, highlights the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluates global media independence, defends media against attacks, and honours journalists who lost their lives.
The minister said that the free flow of information is as essential to civilisation as oxygen is to human survival.
He mentioned that people need oxygen to live, just as a state or society needs accurate information to survive.
“Someone who does not understand oxygen may not realise its absence, but a conscious society knows that without it, the environment fills with carbon dioxide. Similarly, misinformation or disinformation is poisoning society,” he also said.
Highlighting challenges in the digital age, Swapon said that while there is no shortage of information today, there is a lack of accurate information.
He stated that digital hazards and misinformation have now turned into a global crisis.
The minister also pointed out the lack of accountability in the country’s political and social culture.
“Alongside ensuring the free flow of information, maintaining its integrity requires an advanced regulatory system. The government does not aim to act as an authoritarian ruler but rather as a servicing manager to ensure the proper flow of information,” he said.
The minister further informed that the government is working on a sustainable roadmap to ensure accurate information and a free media environment.
As part of this initiative, plans are underway to build a ‘resourceful network’ involving journalism departments, teachers, and students from universities across the country, he said.
The Vice-Chancellor of North South University (NSU), Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, presided over the seminar.
Among others, speakers included Chairman of the NSU’s Board of Trustees Aziz Al Kaiser, General Secretary of the Editors’ Council and Editor of Bonik Barta, Dewan Hanif Mahmud, President of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh and editor-in-chief of Manabzamin, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, and Bangladesh Representative of UNESCO, Susan Vize.
