The government has expressed its commitment to ensuring the independence of the media, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan. He stated that, unlike previous administrations that often viewed the press as an adversary, the present government is determined to safeguard media freedom and create an enabling environment for journalism.
He made these remarks on Sunday while speaking at a discussion meeting marking World Press Freedom Day, held at the Information Building in the capital.
The minister said that a proposal has been put forward from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to establish a Media Commission. As part of the initiative, the ministry has also suggested forming an advisory committee comprising an information specialist, which would subsequently help in setting up the commission.
According to him, efforts are already underway to implement a framework designed to protect press freedom ahead of elections, following directives from the Prime Minister. He emphasised that the ministry is working not only on institutional arrangements but also on strengthening the mindset and policy approach required to ensure genuine freedom of the media.
The discussion highlighted the government’s stated intention to improve transparency, institutional safeguards, and professional standards within the media sector. While no detailed timeline for the proposed commission was provided, the initiative is expected to focus on regulatory oversight, professional ethics, and the protection of journalistic independence.
Key Statements and Proposals
| Category |
Details |
| Occasion |
World Press Freedom Day discussion |
| Venue |
Information Building, Dhaka |
| Main Speaker |
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan |
| Core Position |
Commitment to ensuring media freedom |
| Historical Reference |
Previous governments allegedly viewed media as adversarial |
| Proposed Body |
Media Commission under consideration |
| Preparatory Step |
Advisory committee including an information specialist |
| Policy Direction |
Strengthening pre-election media freedom framework |
| Implementation Note |
In progress under Prime Minister’s directives |
The minister reiterated that the government’s broader objective is to ensure that freedom of expression in the media is not merely structural but also embedded in governance culture and institutional practice. He added that safeguarding media independence requires coordinated reform, including legal, administrative, and professional dimensions.
The event formed part of global observances of World Press Freedom Day, during which issues relating to press safety, editorial independence, and access to information are commonly discussed. In this context, the government’s proposed reforms were presented as part of its ongoing policy approach to the media sector.
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