Secretariat Entry System for Journalists to Be Overhauled
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has unveiled plans to introduce a database-driven accreditation system for journalists covering the Secretariat, aiming to streamline entry procedures and strengthen accountability. He also stated that if anyone is unfairly excluded, accreditation cards will be issued under policy guidelines to ensure their access. At the same time, he conveyed the Prime Minister’s intention that no one should gain benefits through political affiliation.
On Monday, March 2, the minister made these remarks at the “BSRF Meet the Press” program organized by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat’s Media Center.
The program was presided over by BSRF President Masudul Haque and conducted by General Secretary Ubaydullah Badal.
Speaking at a “BSRF Meet the Press”, Swapan acknowledged the challenges journalists face in carrying out their professional duties within the Secretariat. He outlined a vision to simplify both security and entry systems, stressing that media houses would be the focal point of the new arrangement.
“We will try to resolve this by targeting media houses, issuing one or more cards per outlet. If anyone is unfairly excluded, we will provide accreditation cards under the policy framework,” he said.
The minister emphasized that the initiative is not only about convenience but also about ensuring institutional integrity. He noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed that no one should gain undue advantage through political affiliation, underscoring the government’s commitment to fairness.
He added, “Our honorable Prime Minister wants everything to be institutionalized, so we must ensure that even our own people cannot take undue benefits. Therefore, we will make the accreditation policy more applicable, and we will do this in consultation with you.”
Swapan explained that the database would allow authorities to track visitors more effectively, providing transparency in case of incidents. “If an accident occurs, accountability becomes essential. We need to know how many visitors entered, who they were, and whether outsiders gained access. A database will help us maintain that investigative system,” he remarked.
He further said, “We will be able to maintain a database. Because if any incident occurs, accountability becomes necessary—how many visitors entered, who entered, who did not, whether outsiders came. Then an investigative system is required, and security must be ensured. So I am giving a preliminary idea that we will try to resolve entry issues by targeting media houses with one or more cards, and we will do this as quickly as possible.”
He further assured journalists that their representatives would be consulted during the design phase of the new system to ensure that facilities meet professional needs. “When the layout is finalized, we will do it with your representatives so that the internal facilities are created according to your requirements,” he added.
DBTech/IH/MUIM
