Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon recently identified misinformation as the most significant threat to modern journalism, noting that the rise of digital platforms has fundamentally altered the information landscape. Speaking at a seminar commemorating the 64th founding anniversary of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University, the minister emphasized that while misinformation existed in the era of one-way media, its velocity and reach have multiplied exponentially in the digital age. He assured the audience that the government recognizes the severity of this issue and is prioritizing comprehensive strategies to mitigate its impact on society.
Reflecting on the philosophical foundations of his profession, Minister Swapon underscored that journalism serves as the essential fourth pillar of the state and a cornerstone of civilization. He noted that the role of a journalist involves the complex dual responsibility of uncovering objective truths while simultaneously addressing the needs of public welfare and social activism. However, he cautioned that when the practice of journalism becomes subservient to predetermined political or personal agendas, the integrity of the profession is compromised. When truth and aspiration come into conflict, he warned, objectivity is often the first casualty of such a misalignment.
The minister also offered a broader critique of governance and historical documentation during the seminar. He posited that a state risks becoming an instrument of oppression when its leadership lacks a clear, inclusive vision and is driven solely by the consolidation of power. Turning to historical narratives, he highlighted the importance of questioning who holds the authority to construct a nation’s history. According to Swapon, historical debates remain perpetually unresolved because the process of uncovering truth has yet to become a truly universal or objective endeavor, leaving room for biased interpretations to take root.
In contrast to the minister’s emphasis on objectivity, veteran journalist and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir offered a pointed critique of “neutral journalism.” Kabir argued that the notion of a detached, neutral media is fundamentally flawed, asserting that journalists should instead position themselves firmly on the side of the public interest and human rights. He suggested that journalists cannot—and should not—attempt to remain completely removed from the political and social realities that shape their communities, arguing that advocacy for the marginalized is a necessary component of the journalistic mandate.
A significant portion of the discourse turned toward legal reform, with Kabir specifically calling for the repeal of outdated, colonial-era media laws that continue to stifle press freedom. Responding to these concerns, Minister Swapon confirmed that the government is actively working on amending the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1973. This legislative effort aims to modernize the legal framework governing the press, ensuring that laws are better aligned with democratic values and current societal needs.
The minister revealed that, under the direct instruction of the Prime Minister, the proposed amendments to the Act will focus on narrowing the scope of what constitutes an offense. Specifically, the government plans to shift the legal focus from “writing against the government”—a provision often criticized for its potential to suppress dissent—to the more specific category of “writing against the state.” By pledging to move forward with these reforms, the government aims to balance the necessity of national security with the essential need to protect and foster a vibrant, free, and responsible media landscape.
