Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday said the government has initiated the process of forming a strong Media Commission aimed at building an independent and responsible media framework in the country.
“Regulation does not mean control; rather, the government wants to play the role of a facilitator in ensuring a healthy and normal environment,” the minister said at a discussion, marking the World Press Freedom Day, 2026 at the ministry in the capital.
This year’s Bangladesh theme for the observance of the day is: “Independent and Responsible Media: A Key Partner in Establishing a Culture of Accountability.”
The minister said the media sector is a vast and complex system and that the government does not want to impose decisions unilaterally.
“We will form an advisory committee involving representatives from all sides under the leadership of a widely accepted media expert. Based on the committee’s well-considered recommendations, a permanent Media Commission will be established. We believe this will ensure full freedom and protection for the media,” he said.
He said the initiative would be implemented through continued dialogue with the Editors’ Council, journalists’ organisations, media owners and other relevant stakeholders.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to journalists’ professional safety and legal protection, the minister said no journalist would be jailed without committing an offence.
“As a matter of policy, the government will ensure professional protection for all journalists under the law. Defamation cases and other legal complexities will be brought under institutional management through the Press Council,” he added.
Zahir Uddin said the global media landscape is currently passing through a complex reality where journalists face growing risks in conflict zones while the rapid expansion of digital platforms, social media and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the nature of information flow.
“As a result, new challenges surrounding the media have emerged, and these can no longer be addressed through conventional thinking,” he said.
He said the issue of media freedom and responsibility remains highly significant and the government wants to build an independent, strong and responsible media system in the country.
The minister said the government does not believe in interfering in the media and reiterated its commitment to fearless, objective and unbiased journalism.
To combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation in the digital era, he emphasised the need for strong fact-checking mechanisms within every media organisation.
“No news should be published without verification and institutional mechanisms must be developed for this purpose,” he said.
He also noted that the media is not merely a business or industry but a crucial component in maintaining balance within the state and society, adding that the sector would receive necessary policy support and patronage.
Speaking at the event, Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim said efforts are underway to make the Press Council more effective in ensuring journalists’ professional rights and legal protection.
“Without media freedom, democracy and the rule of law cannot be established. However, accountability must accompany freedom. Rights are inseparably linked with duties and responsibilities. Ignoring limits and jurisdictions in many cases can create disorder in society. Journalists must maintain high ethical standards and professional discipline,” he said.
S M Shamim Reza, professor of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at University of Dhaka, presented the keynote paper at the event.
Among the speakers at the discussion were Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, president of the Newspapers Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and Editor-in-Chief of Manabzamin; Abdus Salam, secretary general of Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) and chairman of Ekushey Television; Dewan Hanif Mahmud, general secretary of the Editors’ Council and editor of Bonik Barta and Hasan Hafiz, president of the Jatiya Press Club.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Shah Alam delivered the welcome speech at the programme.
Earlier in the morning, a colourful rally was organised to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and its affiliated departments and agencies joined the rally.