Govt brings all media platforms together: Info Minister

For the first time in the country's history, the government has brought together stakeholders from all sectors of the media industry on a single platform, creating a significant opportunity to ensure media freedom and establish an independent National Media Commission, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said on Thursday.

Speaking as the chief guest at a workshop held at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka, the minister said the government would act only as a facilitator and cooperative partner in the reform process on behalf of the state. “Today marks a unique milestone in the history of Bangladesh’s media sector. For the first time, we have been able to bring together all major stakeholders of the mainstream media under one roof,” he said.

Swapon described the workshop as the opening of a new avenue for constructive dialogue. “If we can collectively identify a common point of consensus through discussion, this initiative will be successful. The government’s role will be limited to facilitating and coordinating efforts to advance the noble and independent objectives of the media,” he added.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to building a democratic and welfare-oriented state, the minister said that the administration led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had pledged before the election to transform Bangladesh into a truly democratic and welfare state.