The convergence of traditional media houses with emerging digital platforms, global big tech corporations, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rendered the modern media ecosystem exceptionally complex. Emphasizing this rapidly shifting technological reality, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan stressed the urgent need to draft future-oriented policies and implement robust institutional reforms. He made these statements as the special guest at a seminar titled "Role of Media in Sustainable Democracy," organized by the Television Editors Council (TEC) at a hotel in the capital on Friday (August 7). Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, graced the event as the chief guest.
The Information Minister noted that the press itself acknowledges that there is absolutely no state control over its operations. Instead, journalists, media owners, and the government are working collectively to foster an independent, responsible, and financially viable media structure. He highlighted that in this digital era, the media requires standard regulatory frameworks (Regulation) rather than authoritarian restrictions (Control) to ensure fair rights for every stakeholder. He warned that without good governance and systemic regulation, media platforms risk being leveraged as corporate bargaining chips—a trend that undermines journalistic credibility in the era of AI and algorithmic distribution.
He further elaborated that the government aims to nurture a balanced media ecosystem where the interests of owners, journalists, advertisers, the state, and the general public intersect constructively. To support this vision amidst tech disruptions, the financial foundations of the media industry must be secured alongside professional safety for journalists. The Minister added that following the historic July mass uprising and the subsequent national elections, a fresh window for state and institutional reforms has opened under the leadership of Mr. Tarique Rahman. He urged all stakeholders to seize this historical moment to upgrade the media infrastructure, integrating digital readiness and AI guidelines into the structural layout.
Chaired by Dr. Abdul Hai Siddique, Convener of TEC and Chief Editor of Banglavision, the keynote paper at the seminar was presented by Mostafa Akmal, Chief News Editor of Independent Television. Other prominent speakers included Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Professor A B M Obaidul Islam, Editor of Protidiner Bangladesh Maruf Kamal Khan, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, Secretary General of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Federation Kader Gani Chowdhury, and Daily Wada Editor Shafiqul Alam. The welcome address was delivered by TEC Member Secretary and CEO of Somoy Television, Zubair Babu.
//DBTech/IMI/MIS//
