Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Wednesday said the government is working to build a “transformed media ecosystem” to align Bangladesh’s media sector with rapidly changing digital realities, while also planning measures to combat misinformation and disinformation, modernize information management, and ensure job security for journalists.
He made the remarks on the final day of the four-day Deputy Commissioners' Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Swapan said the media sector has long operated under outdated structures because its problems were not clearly identified. “The media sector is still standing in an old analog space, which must be made suitable for digital platforms,” he said.
He urged deputy commissioners to remain prepared, saying field administration would need to support implementation once the ministry begins work with the required capacity and policy framework.
The minister also stressed the need to address misinformation and disinformation, saying steps would be taken to make information flow more responsible and disciplined in coordination with media outlets.
He acknowledged limitations in the government’s current information management system, saying there is a clear gap between the government’s preparedness and media needs, which reflects state weakness. However, he said those shortcomings have been identified and the government expects to move toward modern information management soon.
On journalists’ welfare, Swapan said policy-level discussions have already been held with the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and that talks with television owners will be held soon.
“Journalists are part of a respected profession. The government will take initiatives to ensure employers provide dignified salary structures, job security and safe working environments in accordance with the law,” he said.
He also noted concerns over professionalism in the media sector, saying many individuals and institutions have emerged claiming to be journalists or media owners. Professional journalists have demanded action against such “floating institutions,” he said.
Calling the issue sensitive, the minister said the government would proceed after consulting stakeholders and expressed hope for effective solutions soon.