Zahir Uddin Swapon announces plan for Media Commission to ensure press freedom and accountability.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the government will initiate the process of forming a strong Media Commission aimed at building an independent and responsible media structure in the country.
"A consultative committee comprising media experts and all relevant stakeholders will be formed prior to the establishment of the full commission," he told a discussion marking "World Press Freedom Day 2026" held at the Tathya Bhaban auditorium in the capital this morning, organised by the Ministry.
The minister said, "The media is a large and complex ecosystem. Therefore, the government does not intend to impose any decision unilaterally. We will form a consultative committee involving all stakeholders with a widely accepted media expert at its forefront."
Bangladesh's theme of the day this year is: "Independent and Responsible Media as a Key Partner in Establishing a Culture of Accountability."
Zahir Uddin Swapon said the proposed Media Commission will be formed based on the committee's recommendations, which he said would ensure full freedom and protection of the media.
Referring to challenges in the era of information overload, he said misinformation has become a major concern in the age of artificial intelligence and algorithms.
"Today, the challenge is not access to information, but the deliberate distortion and manipulation of information to mislead people. We must focus on building global platforms to combat misinformation and ensure 'clean information'," he added.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to journalists' safety, the minister said no journalist will be jailed without due cause.
"Professional safety of journalists will be ensured within the legal framework. Defamation and other legal complexities will be addressed through institutional mechanisms, including the Press Council," he said.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council Justice AKM Abdul Hakim said the council is being strengthened to ensure professional rights and legal protection for journalists.
He stressed that press freedom is essential for democracy and the rule of law, but also emphasised accountability alongside freedom. "Rights and responsibilities are inseparable. In many cases, lack of adherence to jurisdiction and limitations creates disorder in society. Maintaining high standards of ethics and professional discipline is essential for journalists," he said.
President of Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and Editor of Manab Zamin Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Secretary General of Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) and Chairman of Ekushey Television Abdus Salam, Editor of Bonik Barta and General Secretary of Editors' Council Dewan Hanif Mahmud, President of Jatiya Press Club poet Hasan Hafiz, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury and Independent Television Chief News Editor Mostafa Akmal.
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. S M Shameem Reza of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University. Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Shah Alam delivered the welcome address.
Chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif, the event was also attended by BSS Managing Director and Chief Editor Md Kamal Uddin Mozumder (Kamal Uddin Sabuj), Principal Information Officer of Press Information Department Syed Abdal Ahmed and Managing Director of the Journalists Welfare Trust Mohammad Abdul Bashir (Basir Jamal), along with journalists from various media outlets and officials of the ministry.
