Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has stressed the need for digital empowerment and restructuring of his ministry to meet contemporary challenges and ensure people’s right to information.
Speaking as the chief guest at an iftar gathering organised by the Crime Reporters Association Bangladesh (CRAB) on Sunday, the minister said frequent changes in ministerial portfolios hamper the development of necessary expertise.
“Although expert knowledge is necessary to effectively run the Ministry of Information, such expertise fails to develop due to frequent changes of ministry portfolios. Changing responsibilities from one ministry to another limits the opportunity to gain necessary experience and skills,” Swapon said.
He noted that in some ministries, expert knowledge is essential to ensure public service, requiring regular training and practice. “But in reality, these initiatives are not properly undertaken, leading to various misunderstandings.”
The minister said deliberations are ongoing regarding restructuring the Ministry of Information, following the prime minister’s directive to ensure people’s unrestricted access to information.
“In the current era, not only food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education, but access to information technology has also become an important part of people’s lives. Even if basic needs are met, if people are deprived of internet and smartphone facilities, the new generation will not accept it,” he added.
Swapon emphasised the need to address technological risks, including cyber threats, to deliver services safely to citizens, requiring incorporation of a large number of technologists into the workforce.
Regarding journalists’ welfare, the minister said he is documenting problems faced by the community and will soon initiate dialogue with journalist leaders. He acknowledged complexities encountered while working on the Wage Board, particularly jurisdictional confusion between the Information and Labour ministries.
“The Ministry of Information must be reformed to make it contemporary. Without reform, it is not possible to work effectively for the welfare of journalists,” Swapon said, suggesting that crime beat journalists compile and submit their problems to the ministry.
The event, presided over by CRAB President Mirza Mehedi Tamal, was attended by DMP Commissioner (Acting) Md Sarwar, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, and representatives from Indian and Singapore High Commissions, among others.
