Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today emphasized that the foremost prerequisite for the free flow of information is accurate and objective data. "While freedom of information is desirable, preventing misinformation and ensuring clean information remains the biggest challenge for society and the state," he remarked during a seminar at North South University (NSU) in the capital. The event marked World Press Freedom Day 2026 and was organized by the university's Media, Communication and Journalism (MCJ) Department.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3, underscores the fundamental principles of press freedom, assesses global media independence, defends media against attacks, and honors journalists who have lost their lives. The minister compared the free flow of information to oxygen, stating that while people cannot live without oxygen, a state or society cannot survive without accurate information. He warned that misinformation is poisoning society, akin to carbon dioxide filling an environment lacking oxygen.
Highlighting the challenges of the digital age, Swapon noted that despite the abundance of information, there is a deficiency in accurate data. He described digital hazards and misinformation as a global crisis and identified a lack of accountability in the political and social culture of the country. "Alongside ensuring the free flow of information, maintaining its integrity requires an advanced regulatory system," he added, clarifying that the government aims to act as a servicing manager rather than an authoritarian ruler to ensure the proper flow of information.
The minister also shared that the government is developing a sustainable roadmap to ensure accurate information and a free media environment. Plans are underway to build a "resourceful network" involving journalism departments, teachers, and students from universities across the nation.
The seminar was presided over by NSU's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury. Other notable speakers included Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the NSU's Board of Trustees, Dewan Hanif Mahmud, General Secretary of the Editors' Council and Editor of Bonik Barta, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, President of the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh and editor-in-chief of Manabzamin, and UNESCO's Bangladesh Representative, Susan Vize.
Matiur Rahman Chowdhury highlighted that the current time is highly unstable for journalism, with mainstream media facing challenges from misinformation spread via social media and "photo cards," creating public confusion. He cautioned that this uneven competition and misinformation are victimizing mainstream media outlets.
Md. Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at NSU, delivered the welcome remarks. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. S.M. Rezwan Ul Alam, Associate Professor and MCJ Department Chair. AHM Bazlur Rahman, founder and CEO of the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), served as the designated discussant.
Teachers and students of the university actively participated in the seminar, discussing various challenges and proposals related to journalism in the country on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026.