Reform Radar: Tech-Driven Tracking to Boost Media Transparency
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has emphasized strengthening a technology-driven “reform tracking” system alongside formulating an advertising policy to ensure transparency and accountability in the media sector.
He made these remarks on Thursday morning, April 9, at a discussion titled “Bangladesh Reform Tracker and the Relevance of Mass Media,” organized by Citizen’s Platform for SDGs Bangladesh and Economic Reporters Forum in the capital.
In his speech as the Chief Guest, the minister said that the nation possesses a strong culture of critical thinking. He encouraged the media to present the highest level of criticism and investigative observations to the government, noting that such feedback would benefit governance.
He also stated that the process of implementing the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission is ongoing and that the government remains committed to media reforms. “Reform is an important issue. It always brings positive outcomes. We are moving in that direction. We will work on the commitments we have made. We are going to work on the Digital Security Act to ensure safety for all,” he said.
Highlighting the role of investigative journalism and citizen initiatives in governance, Swapan noted that the government is relatively new and still developing the maturity needed to respond comprehensively to all questions. He urged the media to identify and point out government shortcomings.
He added that lessons have been learned from the approaches of previous governments. “We have also been in power multiple times before. We have both mistakes and achievements,” he said.
Thanking the Economic Reporters Forum and other stakeholders, the minister said their criticism, observations, and analyses help the government make more effective and accountable decisions.
He further informed that work is underway to ensure the safety of journalists, establish effective mechanisms to address harassment, and develop welfare structures for retired journalists.
The minister expressed hope that a people-centric, transparent, and responsible media environment can be built through joint efforts of the government, media, and civil society.
Among others present at the event were Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, Distinguished Fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue; Nurul Kabir, Editor of New Age; and Shamsul Haque Zahid, Editor of The Financial Express.
Debapriya Bhattacharya said that the mass uprising of students and the public has brought renewed awareness, making the demand for reform more visible. “Reform is not static; it is continuous and ongoing. Just as blood circulation is essential for the human body, reform is essential to keep an economy dynamic,” he said.
He further added that the country must move forward, noting that political parties have reflected both the necessity and expectations of reform in their recent election manifestos.
DBTech/SI/MUIM/OR
