Dhaka: World Press Freedom Day is being observed across the country as elsewhere in the world today with the theme ‘Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security’. Every year, May 3 is marked to evaluate press freedom globally, defending the media from attacks on their independence. The day also honors journalists who have lost their lives while performing their professional duties, as noted by UNESCO.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, following a Recommendation adopted during UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. Commemorating ‘World Press Freedom Day 2026’, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organized a rally and a discussion in the capital this morning to emphasize the media’s role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the digital age.
The day’s program commenced with a rally at 9:00 am, starting from the Officers’ Club premises and concluding at the Tathya Bhaban complex in Dhaka, as per an official handout released today. Following the rally, a discussion took place at 9:30 am in the conference room of the Department of Films and Publications at the Tathya Bhaban (Information Building) complex on Circuit House Road.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon attended the event as the chief guest, with State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury present as the special guest.