Free and Responsible Media Vital for Democratic Stability: Zahir Uddin Swapan
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has stressed that a free and responsible media is essential for the stability of a democratic state and the development of public consciousness. He said that in a modern state, the institutional strength and transparency of the media are crucial for the country’s political and social progress.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday, 11 March, while addressing an iftar gathering organized by the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) and the Bangladesh Federal Union for Journalists (BFUJ) at the National Press Club in the capital.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister said the media has played a significant role in shaping public consciousness during every major movement and struggle in the country’s history. During the Bengali Language Movement, the 1969 Mass Uprising in East Pakistan, and the Bangladesh Liberation War, the media helped awaken public awareness and played a leading role in safeguarding state reform and independence.
He further said that the media does not merely disseminate information; it also plays an important role in shaping the country’s political culture, strengthening democratic values, and increasing public participation. A free and responsible media helps ensure that accurate information reaches the people and contributes to greater public awareness in society.
The minister said that under the leadership of Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman and the current elected government, it is extremely important to further institutionalize democracy. At the same time, special emphasis has been placed on ensuring the safety, independence, and responsibility of media professionals.
Calling for the institutionalization of democratic practices, Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that mob culture cannot institutionalize democracy. He expressed hope that the media will continue to play a strong role in advancing democracy.
BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the event as the chief guest.
Special guests included Minister for Social Welfare and Women’s Affairs Dr. A. Z. M. Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan, and Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Mia Mohammad Golam Parwar, among others.
Also present were Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atiqur Rahman Ruman, Deputy Press Secretary Zahidur Rahman Rony, President of the National Press Club Hasan Hafiz, President of the Bangladesh Federal Journalists Union Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, President of the Dhaka Union of Journalists Shahidul Islam, General Secretary Khorshed Alam, former President Abdul Hai Sikder, DUJ Vice President Rashedul Islam, Organizational Secretary Saeed Khan, along with editors and journalists from various media outlets.
DBTech/BMO/EK/OR
