Dhaka: The World Press Freedom Day was observed today in the country as elsewhere in the world with the global theme ‘Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security’. Every year, May 3 is observed as the World Press Freedom Day to evaluate press freedom around the world to defend the media from attacks on their independence.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, marking the ‘World Press Freedom Day 2026′, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organized a procession and a discussion in the capital this morning. The events aimed to highlight the role of media in ensuring transparency and accountability in the digital era. The procession commenced from the Officers’ Club premises and concluded at the Tathya Bhaban after traversing city streets.
Following the procession, a discussion was held at the conference room of the Department of Films and Publications in the ‘Tathya Bhaban’ complex. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon announced the government’s plan to form a strong Media Commission to establish an independent and responsible media structure. He emphasized the creation of a consultative committee comprising media experts and relevant stakeholders before the commission’s full establishment.
Addressing the challenges of information overload, Swapon highlighted the prevalence of disinformation in the age of artificial intelligence, stressing the need for global platforms to combat misinformation. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to journalists’ safety, ensuring that no journalist will be jailed without due cause.
Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim underscored the importance of press freedom for democracy and the rule of law, while also stressing accountability alongside freedom. He called for high standards of ethics and professional discipline among journalists.
UNESCO Bangladesh and Transparency International Bangladesh held a dialogue at MIDAS Center, where Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman reiterated the government’s dedication to rebuilding a strong, independent, and vibrant media system. He welcomed constructive criticism and affirmed media freedom as essential for a democratically elected government.
Additional events included a seminar organized by Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at Jatiya Press Club, and another by Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) on “Rumours and Misinformation in Media.” Both events addressed the challenges posed by misinformation and the roles of media as victims and predators in the spread of misinformation.
The day was also observed in various divisional cities and district towns with discussions, seminars, and processions demanding press freedom and professional safety for journalists. World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, serves as a tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty, according to UNESCO.