Minister Seeks Input from Technology-driven new media Journalists

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has called for advice from journalists working in technology-driven new media, pledging to engage regularly with the press to identify challenges and find solutions for the country’s media industry.

Speaking as chief guest at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) iftar gathering on Friday evening, the minister emphasized the evolving nature of information sharing. “We now live in a device-based society where the flow of information is far greater than before. To ensure modern, citizen-friendly services, the government must achieve global standards in information sharing,” he said.

Swapan noted that the current era is a “hybrid system” where some rely on advanced technology while others still depend on pen and paper. Maintaining professionalism amid this transformation, he observed, is a major challenge. He stressed that the government cannot simply accept praise while ignoring criticism, adding: “The ministry’s key partner is the media. To solve its problems, we must understand its anatomy. Without proper diagnosis, there can be no proper treatment.”

The minister underscored consensus-building, announcing plans for continuous dialogue with journalists’ unions and organizations. He also highlighted the importance of wage board implementation and accountability in newspaper registration, saying: “This industry cannot function under laws that absolve owners of responsibility to pay journalists. National interest demands fair wages and institutional structure.”

During the event, DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel presented proposals including a realistic wage board in light of rising living costs, two weekly holidays, five-day leave for each Eid, and retirement benefits. The minister assured that he would soon sit with all stakeholders to seek practical solutions.

The program was chaired by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and attended by Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M. Saleh, former National Press Club President Kamal Uddin Sabuj, Journalist Welfare Trust MD Muhammad Abdullah, National Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, Dhaka Journalists Union General Secretary Khurshid Alam, and other senior and current DRU leaders.

DBTech/IH/MUM