‘Govt committed to media freedom, not regulation’

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said the current government is committed to ensuring a free and fair media environment rather than exerting control over the press, reports BSS.

"In the modern world, no state can remain outside the flow of information and accountability. Therefore, the formation of an independent and consensus-based Media Commission to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders has become a pressing necessity," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the 'International Cable TV, Broadcasting, and Communication Expo 2026' as the chief guest at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital on Thursday.

The exhibition was organised by the Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB).

The minister said, "We assumed office through a transparent election. No one, either at home or abroad, has questioned its credibility."

Because of this democratic mandate, he said, the government remains continuously accountable to the people.

"We understand that the influence of communication and digital platforms has now become so powerful that the state cannot control everything, even if it wants to," he added.

Emphasising the importance of establishing a commission for the media industry, Swapon said ensuring media independence and creating a strong commission are among the government's foremost priorities.

He said the government does not intend to impose its own agenda or authority on the media ecosystem; rather, it seeks to serve as a facilitator and partner.

He further said, "In developed democracies, such matters are overseen not by ministries of information, but by independent commissions. We, too, are moving in that direction."

Highlighting the importance of robust digital mechanisms, the minister said that, at present, the government does not possess accurate data on newspaper circulation or television viewership.

Sound policy decisions cannot be formulated on the basis of assumptions, he opined..

He said, "That is why we are working in three phases: conducting joint studies, gathering digital data, and then formulating a new roadmap or policy on the basis of that evidence. This will ensure greater transparency in determining advertisement rates and revenue collection."

The programme was presided over by COAB President A B M Saiful Hossain Sohel.

Among the guests were Anjan Chowdhury Pintu, President of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO),

COAB General Secretary Syed Mosharraf Ali Chanchal, Expo Convener Nizam Uddin Masud, and senior peronnel from the broadcasting industry.