Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that the government remains firmly committed to ensuring freedom of the press and strengthening Bangladesh’s media environment through structured reforms.
He made the remarks while addressing a workshop organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at a city hotel in Dhaka on Thursday, aimed at preparing the outline for a proposed National Media Commission.
Zahir Uddin Swapon said the government has, for the first time in the country’s history, brought together all major stakeholders of the media on a single platform. According to him, this initiative has created a significant opportunity to safeguard press freedom and work towards establishing an independent National Media Commission.
He described the event as a “unique milestone” in Bangladesh’s media history, adding that collective dialogue among stakeholders would be essential in shaping the future framework of media governance. He stressed that the success of the initiative would depend on reaching a consensus through discussion.
The minister also said the government would act only as a supporting and cooperative partner in the reform process, adding that it would play the role of a coordinator in advancing the goal of an independent and effective media system.
Reaffirming what he described as the government’s broader commitment to building a democratic and welfare-oriented state, Swapon said the administration led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had pledged reforms across multiple sectors, including the media, before the election.
He further noted that one of the most important priorities of the reform agenda is ensuring media freedom and institutional strengthening of the sector.
Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman delivered the keynote speech at the workshop, while State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury gave the welcome address.
State Minister Yasser Khan emphasised the need for strong institutional mechanisms to uphold democracy and called for closer cooperation between the government and media organisations. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability within the proposed Media Commission.
The workshop, moderated by Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, brought together representatives from television owners’ associations, editor bodies, journalist unions, and various media-related organisations, including DRU, DUJ, BFUJ, NOAB, ATCO, BSS and others.
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