Media must aid social reconstruction, not just profit: Swapon

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital this afternoon, marking the World Press Freedom Day 2026. 

The event was jointly organized by the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors' Council.

The minister said the present government considers the media an integral part of the state system and is committed to ensuring a culture of facilitation rather than control for the development of the sector.

"The government does not want to impose anything on the media; instead, it aims to formulate a "healthy regulation" to ensure sustainable growth of the industry," he also said. 

He noted that existing government structures often lag behind in addressing the challenges of the digital era, making a modern outlook essential.

To this end, he said, an advisory committee comprising all stakeholders will be formed, with the ultimate goal of establishing an acceptable and independent "Media Commission."

Warning against unverified reporting, the minister said freedom of information does not mean publishing anything arbitrarily. 

"Media outlets must avoid baseless or assumption-based reports and ensure objective and clean information," he said.

Chaired by Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age and president of the Editors' Council, the event was also addressed by NOAB President and Editor-in-Chief of Manabzamin Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor of The Daily Star and founding president of the Editors' Council Mahfuz Anam, among others.

Jatiya Press Club President and Editor of Kaler Kantho Hasan Hafiz, Chief of Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid and Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, were also present.

General Secretary of Editors' Council and Banik Barta Editor Dewam Hanif Mahmud moderated the discussion. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mahfuz Anam said that democracy, human rights, and justice are safeguarded in countries where independent journalism is well established. 

He urged journalists to rise above group interests and work in the interest of the people.

Taking part in the discussion, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said the spread of misinformation has taken the shape of a pandemic, calling for a strong social movement alongside legal measures to combat it. 

He also urged an end to the unhealthy competition for likes and views on platforms such as YouTube and Facebook.

In his presidential speech, Nurul Kabir emphasized ensuring the free flow of information and called on the government to move away from past practices of curbing press freedom in the name of "responsibility."

He said that the head of the government should ensure the free flow of information in line with the new political expectations created by the bloodshed during the July Mass Uprising.

Speakers at the discussion stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure financial sustainability, professional excellence, safety of journalists, and to tackle challenges posed by the digital platforms, reports BSS.