Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Sunday said the government will take necessary steps to ensure greater media freedom by removing existing inconsistencies in the sector based on journalists’ opinions.

“The new reality requires a comprehensive solution. Politics and the media must move away from authoritarian practices and prioritise the aspirations of the people,” he said while visiting private television Channel I in the afternoon.

This was his first visit to any media outlet after assuming office as a minister.

Channel I Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar, Directors Mukit Majumder Babu and Zahir Uddin Mahmud Mamun, and Director and Head of News Shykh Seraj, welcomed him.

Later, Faridur Reza Sagar presented the minister with a commemorative plaque titled “From the Madhur Canteen to the Ministry”, highlighting his nearly five-decade political journey from student activism to becoming a public representative and minister.

Channel I Executive Director (Programme Operations) Harun Rashid and talk show host Zillur Rahman were also present.

An exchange of views was held where participants discussed various challenges facing the media, including allegations of external interference in news management, the spread of disinformation in the AI era, broadcast digitisation, the financial condition of television channels, journalists’ professional security and salary structure.

Will ensure fear-free media environment in Bangladesh: Info Minister

The minister said all stakeholders must act responsibly by understanding the message of change expressed by the people on August 5.

Channel I News Department Chief Executive Editor and Channel I Online Editor Zahid Newaz Khan, Chief News Editor Mir Masrur Zaman, and other journalists of the news department attended the meeting.

Later, the minister was shown a music video produced using AI technology, claimed to be the first of its kind in the country’s television history.