Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan announced that the government is committed to enhancing media freedom by addressing existing inconsistencies in the sector, based on input from journalists. This initiative aims to align the media and political practices with the needs and aspirations of the public. The minister made the remarks during his visit to private television Channel I, marking his first visit to a media outlet since taking office.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Channel I’s Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar, along with Directors Mukit Majumder Babu, Zahir Uddin Mahmud Mamun, and Director and Head of News Shykh Seraj, received the minister. During the visit, Faridur Reza Sagar presented Zahir Uddin Swapan with a commemorative plaque titled ‘From the Madhur Canteen to the Ministry’, which highlights his long political journey from student activism to his current ministerial role.
The visit included a discussion session focusing on various challenges confronting the media industry. Topics such as allegations of external interference, the spread of disinformation in the age of AI, the digitisation of broadcasts, financial conditions of television channels, and the professional security and salary structure of journalists were discussed in depth.
Zahir Uddin Swapan emphasized the need for all stakeholders to act responsibly and understand the public’s call for change signaled on August 5. During his time at Channel I, he also had the opportunity to view a music video produced using AI technology, which was noted as a pioneering effort in the country’s television history. Channel I News Department Chief Executive Editor and Channel I Online Editor Zahid Newaz Khan, Chief News Editor Mir Masrur Zaman, and other journalists were present during the discussions.