Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has called for a radical modernization and structural transformation of media-related institutions to properly reflect public aspirations and address the challenges of the rapidly changing technological landscape. Swapon emphasized the need for fundamental changes in media institutions to accurately mirror public desires and adapt to the new era's challenges.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while addressing a seminar titled 'Media, Public Aspirations and the July Mass Uprising' as the chief guest at the 'Monsoon Revolution Auditorium' of the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC). Swapon highlighted the profound impact of digital technology, noting that the expansion of the internet, digital platforms, and smart devices has led to a historic transformation in society.
Swapon elaborated on the scale and intensity of social change brought about by digital transformation over the past 20-25 years, which he said have surpassed many changes witnessed over the previous millennium. The minister pointed out that public voices are no longer confined to government-controlled or officially registered media outlets. Digital technology, he added, has created unprecedented opportunities for spontaneous public expression and aspirations to be directly reflected in society.
He further mentioned that institutions such as the NIMC, Bangladesh Television, and Bangladesh Betar were established under structures predating the internet and smart devices era. Swapon stressed that these institutions must deeply understand the changing needs of audiences, the implications of cloud technology, and the emerging challenges of the transformed media landscape.
The minister underscored the necessity for an integrated application of expert knowledge, sustainable technologies, and professional skills to effectively translate public aspirations into modern media content and services. He assured that the discussions and well-considered recommendations presented at the seminar would be taken into account in preparing the government's policy roadmap and incorporated into the action plans of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The seminar was chaired by NIMC Director General Muhammad Hiruzzaman. Dr. Chowdhury Saima Ferdous, a member of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC), and Kader Gani Chowdhury, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), addressed the event as special guests. The seminar was attended by media researchers, teachers, journalists from various media outlets, and senior officials of the ministry.