Info Minister Swapon calls for ‘state repair’ with experts, patriots

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the government aims to “repair” the state and society through a broad process of reform involving experts, professionals and citizens committed to national interest.

He made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the “National Film Council Conference-2026” held at the Bangladesh Film Archive auditorium in Agargaon, Dhaka, organised by the Bangladesh Federation of Film Societies.

The minister said the government’s approach is not limited to political change or the pursuit of power, but is instead focused on bringing qualitative improvements to the country’s governance and social systems.

He stressed that any reform initiative would be carried out based on national consensus and with participation from “patriots” across different sectors of society.

Minister Swapon noted that over the past 55 years, Bangladesh has experienced both achievements and setbacks, and said there is a need to connect institutional knowledge with lessons learned from those experiences. He added that meaningful progress in sectors such as cinema and culture require open exchange of ideas with experts.

Highlighting the role of film as a tool for social influence, he described it as a form of “soft power” that can contribute to societal development when properly supported. He said the state should create opportunities for those working in the film industry who are driven by passion and public welfare rather than financial gain.

He also emphasised that filmmakers and cultural workers should not be tied to any specific ideology or group, arguing that creative freedom is essential for independent thinking. At the same time, he warned against the use of cinema as a tool for propaganda under political influence.

Calling for institutional independence, he urged stakeholders in the film sector to strengthen the film council movement as a platform for free thought and social transformation.

The event also featured the conferral of a lifetime achievement award to noted art critic and film scholar Moinuddin Khaled for his contributions to the industry. Representatives from various film societies, filmmakers and researchers attended the conference.