Minister says media to remain independent, proposes Media Commission
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the current government does not want to control the media, but aims to establish it within a fair and independent framework.
"In the modern world, no state can remain outside the flow of information and accountability. Therefore, forming an independent and consensus-based “Media Commission” that protects the mutual interests of all stakeholders has become the demand of the time," he said.
He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the “International Cable TV, Broadcasting, and Communication Expo 2026” as the chief guest at the International Convention City Bashundhara here.
The exhibition was organized by the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB).
The minister said, “We assumed office through a transparent election. No one at home or abroad has questioned this election."
Because of this democratic mandate, he said, the government remains constantly accountable to the people.
"We understand that the power of communication and digital platforms has now become so strong that the state cannot control everything even if it wants to,” he added.
Emphasizing the importance of forming a commission for the media industry, Swapon said that ensuring media independence and establishing a strong commission are among the government’s top priorities.
He said the government does not want to impose its own agenda or authority within this ecosystem; rather, it wants to act as a “facilitator” and partner.
He further said, “In civilized countries, these matters are managed not by the Ministry of Information, but through independent commissions. We are also moving in that direction.”
Highlighting the importance of digital mechanisms, the minister said, at present, they do not have accurate statistics regarding newspaper circulation or television viewership.
It is not possible to make sound decisions based on assumed information, he opined.
He said, “That is why we are working in three phases — conducting joint studies, collecting digital data, and formulating a new roadmap or policy based on that information. This will bring transparency in determining advertisement rates and revenue collection.
Speaking about the risks of the digital world, the minister said, “With the advancement of technology, personal privacy is now under threat. If a unified forum or understanding for the digital world is not established globally, the world could face serious risks.”
He called on the stakeholders to make “knowledge investments” to better understand the emerging ecosystem.
The programme was presided over by COAB President A B M Saiful Hossain Sohel.
Among the guests was Anjan Chowdhury Pintu, President of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO).
Among others present at the event were COAB General Secretary Syed Mosharraf Ali Chanchal, Expo Convener Nizam Uddin Masud, and senior personnel from the broadcasting industry.
