Yasser Khan Chowdhury is one of the emerging faces of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Bringing years of experience in the information technology sector into politics, he now serves as state minister for information and broadcasting.
The son of former Mymensingh-9 lawmaker Anwarul Hossain Khan Chowdhury, he grew up in a political family but forged his own career in technology before entering public life. He held a senior position in the BBC's information technology division in London and previously worked at IBM.
A long-time BNP activist, he served as convener of Nandail Upazila BNP and as a senior member of the district unit. After being elected from Mymensingh-9 in the 2026 parliamentary election, he was appointed state minister for Information and Broadcasting. He also chairs the Journalist Welfare Trust.
In an interview with Dhaka Tribune Staff Reporter Tanvir Hasan, the state minister discusses media freedom, misinformation, digital governance, and the future of Bangladesh's media landscape.
What steps has the Ministry of Information taken to ensure full media freedom under the current government?
The current government considers the media one of the pillars of democracy. We are committed to ensuring full media freedom. The government is working to ensure journalists can perform their professional responsibilities safely while protecting freedom of expression.
Efforts are also underway to reorganize the Media Reform Commission and strengthen professionalism across the media.
Investigative journalism and corruption reporting often face legal challenges. What is the government's position on this issue?
So far, the government has not pressured any media outlet to withdraw a report or attempted to control the media. You could say this has been our biggest decision.
Under the previous fascist regime, reports were withdrawn under various forms of pressure whenever they went against the government or government officials.
We believe journalists are among the government's strongest partners in combating corruption.
What are your future plans for implementing the Right to Information Act more effectively and making government information more accessible?
Government officials have been instructed to avoid unnecessary delays in providing information. We are also considering whether they should receive specialized training on this issue.
To improve transparency, every government office is now required to regularly update its website with administrative and financial information. As a result, journalists and members of the public can obtain information simply by searching those websites.
We will also consult stakeholders to determine whether additional steps can be taken to make journalists' work easier.
What monitoring mechanisms is the ministry using to prevent rumors and misinformation from spreading through social media and online platforms?
The Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), under the Ministry of Information, has launched a fact-checking initiative called BanglaFact. Several private fact-checking platforms have also emerged.
However, the misuse of artificial intelligence is becoming an increasing concern. AI is being used to create manipulated images, videos, and false information, which many people share without realizing they are fake.
The media has a vital role to play in addressing this challenge. News organizations must avoid using information from social media without proper verification. That will further strengthen the credibility of the media.
Is the government working on a policy framework to ensure accountability while maintaining a balance between mainstream and social media?
Discussions are underway on a balanced Digital and Social Media Framework for social media and digital platforms.
Our objective is not to impose censorship. Rather, we want to promote responsible and decent behavior while upholding journalistic ethics.
What initiatives have been taken to modernize Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar and make them more appealing to younger audiences?
A number of reforms are being introduced at Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar to better reflect the interests and expectations of audiences across generations.
Measures are being taken to improve the quality of dramas, entertainment programs, documentaries, and news broadcasts to encourage more people to watch and listen.
We have also initiated forensic audits of both organizations so the public can see the true extent of the looting that took place in the past.
As you know, nearly Tk100 crore was spent to broadcast the previous FIFA World Cup on BTV. That was a project of looting. Now, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with a people's government in place, we have been able to broadcast this World Cup free of charge. That is the difference between an authoritarian government and one that is accountable to the people. It is your responsibility to communicate these facts properly to the public.
What steps have been taken to implement the National Online Media Policy and ensure quality standards among registered news portals?
We are considering modernizing the Press Council to help maintain standards among registered news portals. The proposal is being discussed with stakeholders before any decision is made.
We are also working to create a database of genuine journalists to curb fake journalism, while encouraging media organizations to implement the Wage Board or an appropriate salary structure for journalists.
What support is the government providing to expand Bangladesh's film industry globally and modernize cinema halls across the country?
Initiatives have already been taken to overhaul the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (FDC). Long-overdue payments owed to FDC employees have begun to be cleared.
Renovation and construction work at both the FDC and Kabirpur Film City are now in full swing, helping restore momentum to the country's film industry.
Special initiatives have also been taken to renovate cinema halls, build new multiplexes, and install modern screening facilities.
What was the role of the media before and after independence?
Before independence, the media was one of the principal instruments of the national liberation struggle. After independence, its primary responsibility has been to institutionalize democracy and ensure transparency in government.
The media's role has expanded over time. However, the digital age has also created new challenges in maintaining quality, and overcoming those challenges is now our goal.
Why has no Bangladeshi newspaper or television channel been able to establish itself internationally?
The main weaknesses are language barriers and the lack of globally focused content. We still produce too little English-language content that meets international standards, and there is a shortage of analysis and presentation tailored to global audiences.
There is also a lack of world-class technology and in-depth investigative journalism. Moreover, the long-term professional investment required to build an internationally recognized news organization has not yet been made.
Your party's founder ensured media freedom, but critics say BNP governments have not always upheld that tradition while in office. How do you respond?
Maintaining a balance between protecting media freedom and preserving discipline in state administration is something every responsible government must practice.
As a matter of principle, our party believes in media freedom. From the government of martyred President Ziaur Rahman to the government of the late Begum Khaleda Zia and the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, every BNP government has upheld media freedom.
Is it more important for a government to say the media is free, or to demonstrate it in practice?
Certainly, it is not about words. What matters is how it is reflected in practice.
A television channel has alleged that one of its reports disappeared after objections from a state minister. How do you respond?
If there are allegations that a report disappeared because of a state minister or that a media organization was pressured, that is extremely unfortunate.
The current government does not support suppressing the media to protect any individual's personal interests.
What aspects of media reform do you believe are most urgent?
I believe it is essential to strengthen journalists' financial and professional security, improve professional and ethical standards, enhance the powers of the Press Council, and stop the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
The media should also remain free from partisan influence and operate under an independent oversight framework.
Journalists have frequently faced cases under the ICT Act. What remedies are being considered?
The government is working to prevent the misuse of the ICT Act and cyber security laws.
We are discussing with the Ministry of Home Affairs the introduction of a special screening and preliminary investigation mechanism so journalists are not unnecessarily subjected to legal complications or arrested without proper review.
Since the current government assumed office, no journalist has been charged under the ICT Act.
Thank you.
Thank you, and thanks to all the readers of Dhaka Tribune.
