Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today stated that the current era of information overflow has shifted the primary challenge from information scarcity to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. He emphasized the systematic nature of these issues in influencing public perception.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while attending a discussion as the chief guest on the occasion of Department Day of the Mass Communication and Journalism department of Dhaka University. The event was held at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium, with DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir as special guests.
Zahir Uddin Swapon addressed student queries, highlighting that although information distortion was possible with limited information flow, the risk has significantly increased today. He noted that modern political strategies often employ disinformation campaigns to influence swing voters and public opinion globally during elections, making perception management a critical area of concern.
The minister acknowledged that while the freedom of journalism remains a challenge, the prevalence of fake and distorted news has become a more significant issue. He assured that efforts are underway to tackle this problem by utilizing technology and modern mechanisms, despite existing limitations.
The Info Minister also discussed the professional security and dignity of journalists, pointing out that many media outlets provide identity cards to journalists without offering appropriate salaries, thereby placing them in vulnerable positions. He called for a consensus among media entrepreneurs, editors, and the journalist community to establish structured financial security and dignity for the profession.
Swapon further mentioned the ongoing progress in forming a ‘Media Commission’ following initial consultations with key stakeholders. He promised that recommendations from previous media reform reports would be evaluated to establish standard journalistic guidelines and strengthen the media ecosystem.
He also revealed that the government is working to amend the 1973 Press Act, proposing to replace the term “anti-government” with “anti-state” concerning regulatory permissions and legal enforcement. The minister recounted discussions on journalists’ rights and media law reforms, noting that the Prime Minister had granted in-principle approval for this amendment.
Swapon concluded by mentioning the Prime Minister’s recent reiteration of his commitment to making necessary legal changes to define acts against the country’s sovereignty and security as “anti-state” rather than merely “anti-government.”