Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday pledged to ensure a media environment free from fear in Bangladesh, promising steps to protect journalists.

“I know the mental torment faced by those who live in fear. Especially for professionals in respected fields like journalism, being constantly monitored is extremely stressful. We understand this problem,” he told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat on his first working day.

The government has all necessary plans to address media issues. “InshAllah, we will create a fear-free media environment (in Bangladesh),” he said.

About the challenge of disinformation, the minister said this has emerged as a new challenge globally. “We have to move forward cautiously. While technology empowers, it also brings problems that must be solved using technology. We will resolve this in line with media guidelines that ensure information is presented truly to the public.”

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Earlier, after visiting the Jatiya Press Club, Swapon said that media development is impossible without addressing journalists’ problems.

He emphasised the importance of independent journalism to strengthen the media.

State Minister for Information Yeaser Khan Chowdhury was also present during the Press Club visit.

Jatiya Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists General Secretary Qader Gani Chowdhury and Dhaka Union of Journalists President Shahidul Islam were, among others, present.