Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Friday said credible communication, independent media, and strong democratic institutions are essential to maintaining stability in a changing global order.
His remarks came at the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM 2026) in Istanbul.
Speaking at a panel titled “A New Framework for the Global Order: A Communication Perspective,” Swapan said misinformation and disinformation are growing global threats, and the best defence lies in strengthening institutions rather than censorship.
“A strong fourth estate is essential to protect truth, ensure accountability, and sustain public trust,” he said, highlighting Bangladesh’s ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring media freedom, strengthening democratic institutions, and developing an independent media regulatory framework.
He noted the challenges of combating information disorder in a densely populated, rapidly digitising country, adding that past authoritarian regimes had used information strategically to control the public.
“Bangladesh seeks to learn from global best practices while sharing its own experiences to promote peace and prosperity worldwide,” the minister said, stressing three key principles for strategic communication: credibility, democratic resilience, and international cooperation.
Swapan also reaffirmed Bangladesh’s close ties with Türkiye, appreciating its support on humanitarian issues, including the Rohingya crisis.
The panel featured high-level participants, including Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertugruloglu, Syria’s Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mustafa, and Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minister for Culture and Information Kanat Zhumabayevich Iskakov.
Swapan concluded with a call for a more inclusive global communication framework that fairly represents the voices of developing nations.
