Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday pledged to ensure a fear-free media environment in Bangladesh and take steps to protect journalists.
Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on his first working day, he said the government understood the pressures faced by media professionals.
“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,” said Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon.
He said the government had plans in place to address media-related issues.
“InshAllah, we will create a fear-free media environment in Bangladesh,” he said.
On the challenge of disinformation, he said it had emerged as a global concern and must be handled carefully.
“Technology empowers, but it also creates problems that must be solved using technology. We will move forward in line with media guidelines to ensure accurate information reaches the public,” he said.
Earlier, after visiting the Jatiya Press Club, he said media development would not be possible without resolving journalists’ problems and stressed the need for independent journalism.
