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Media reform crucial for sustainable democracy: Info Minister
Published : Friday, 7 August, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated that the media now recognizes there is no state interference, with journalists, owners, and the government working jointly to build an independent, responsible, and economically sustainable media ecosystem.
The minister was addressing as a special guest at a seminar titled "Role of Media in Sustainable Democracy", organized by the Television Editors Council (TEC) at a hotel in the capital on Friday (August 7). Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended as the chief guest.
Swapon highlighted that the government aims to establish a balanced media framework aligning the interests of media owners, journalists, advertisers, the state, and the public. This approach ensures journalists can fulfill their professional duties freely while securing their fair status and economic stability.
"Independent and responsible media is essential for establishing sustainable democracy, and democracy itself grows stronger through such media," Swapon remarked, calling on all stakeholders to view the media not merely as a commercial venture, but as a vital foundation of state and society.
He identified journalism as the unannounced yet inevitable fourth estate. "Ensuring the professional independence, dignity, and security of journalists is a key responsibility of the state, but achieving this requires strengthening the economic foundation of the media industry," he noted.
The minister cautioned that without a fair business environment and reasonable returns for owners, alongside a robust private economy to expand advertising, the media industry cannot remain viable.
He added that the rise of digital platforms, global tech giants, and artificial intelligence has further complicated the ecosystem, necessitating forward-looking policies and institutional reforms.
Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, Protidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, BFUJ Secretary General Khairul Bashar, and Daily Wada Editor Shafiqul Alam, among others, addressed the seminar. TEC Member Secretary and Somoy TV CEO Zubair Babu delivered the welcome address.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
