Government to Form Independent Media Commission Based on Consensus: Information Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that the government will form an effective and independent Media Commission based on consensus among stakeholders to ensure freedom of the media in the country.

He said the initiative to form the commission would not be imposed unilaterally. Rather, it would be implemented through participation and opinions from all relevant stakeholders to ensure people’s right to access information.
The minister made the remarks on Monday evening while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of online and multimedia-based news outlet “Asia Post” at Topkhana Road in the capital.

The Information Minister said the current government had pledged to ensure media freedom even before the election and remains committed to fulfilling that promise. Since assuming office, the government has been holding continuous discussions with stakeholders regarding the matter.
He said the government aims to establish a commission that will ensure the free flow of information while also protecting people from misinformation and disinformation.

Describing the present period as a time of transformation, the minister said rapid technological advancement has changed the global flow of communication and information. In this changing environment, ensuring the dissemination of accurate information has become one of the major responsibilities of the media.
He further said that while the expansion of free information flow has increased, the spread of fake news and misinformation has also become a serious concern. In particular, misleading content generated through artificial intelligence has emerged as a new challenge.
The minister urged newly established media outlets to play a responsible and cautious role in addressing these challenges.

Welcoming the launch of “Asia Post,” Zahir Uddin Swapon said a new era of opportunities is opening through the integration of online and multimedia journalism. He expressed hope that the platform would gain public trust through responsible journalism.
The event was moderated by Asia Post Editor Palash Mahmud and attended by policymakers of the organization, journalists, and invited guests from various government and private institutions.
Later, the minister formally inaugurated “Asia Post” by cutting a cake and visiting different sections of the office.