Swapon seeks UK, Swiss support to safeguard media freedom

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the present government is committed to upholding the freedom of media, reports BSS.

"The government is determined to ensure media freedom. To this end, work has already begun to form a Media Commission," he said.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with British High Commissioner Sarah Cooke at his Secretariat office on Thursday.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury was present at that time.

The minister sought cooperation from the United Kingdom (UK) in this regard.

During the meeting, Sarah Cooke congratulated Zahir Uddin Swapon on assuming charge as information and broadcasting minister.

The minister expressed interest in utilising the experience of the UK media regulatory authority Office of Communications (Ofcom), saying "Ofcom's experience can be utilised in formulating media sector policies in Bangladesh."

Later, Swiss Ambassador in Bangladesh Reto Renggli paid a courtesy call on the information minister at his office.

During the meeting, the Swiss Ambassador also congratulated Zahir Uddin Swapon on assuming his new responsibility.