Dhaka, July 14, 2026 – Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has underscored the critical necessity of managing information flow with the same urgency as life-sustaining resources, describing it as the government’s “acid test” during national crises. Addressing District Information Officers (DIOs) in a virtual conference from the ministry headquarters, the minister articulated that just as polluted air threatens human health, the proliferation of misinformation poses a systemic danger to social stability. He challenged his department to prioritize truth, urging officials to identify and debunk at least 20 instances of rumors or false information daily to bolster public trust and institutional transparency.
The minister acknowledged the shifting landscape of communication, noting that the traditional dominance of print and broadcast media has been supplanted by the rapid influence of digital platforms. To meet this paradigm shift, Swapon instructed all field-level officers to accelerate their integration into digital spaces, abandoning legacy methods in favor of a robust, real-time online presence. This directive aims to ensure that the government can reach citizens directly and effectively, particularly during emergencies when the demand for verified, actionable data is at its highest.
In response to the severe flooding affecting various regions across the country, the minister established a specialized emergency task force. Connecting virtually with officials from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Bandarban, Habiganj, and Moulvibazar, Swapon ordered the Mass Communication Department to form a round-the-clock coordination unit. This team is tasked with maintaining an unbroken link between the ministry and the front lines of the disaster, ensuring that field activities are centrally monitored and effectively resourced.
Detailing the expectations for field reporting, the minister emphasized the need for objective, data-driven journalism. He mandated that daily updates must move beyond general descriptions to provide granular, verified statistics—including exact figures on affected villages, stranded populations, medical emergencies like snakebites, and the reach of relief distribution. To ensure the integrity of this reporting, the ministry plans to conduct rigorous cross-referencing of field data with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, reinforcing a culture of total accountability.
To further streamline communication, the ministry has launched a revamped public outreach strategy. Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman and State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury have been appointed to oversee consistent public engagement, including the initiation of daily, structured press briefings. Furthermore, the establishment of a centralized control room will harmonize the efforts of various departments, ensuring that the government’s relief operations and situational updates are communicated to the public with a singular, authoritative voice during this challenging period.
Reporting back to the headquarters, field officials confirmed that they are currently utilizing loudspeaker announcements to facilitate evacuations in landslide-prone areas and organizing awareness campaigns to combat waterborne diseases as floodwaters begin to recede. Concluding the session, Minister Swapon reminded the personnel that while other government agencies are judged by physical construction and infrastructure, the Information Ministry is judged by its ability to provide clarity and reassurance. He commended the staff for their resilience and urged them to remain diligent in serving as a reliable bulwark against uncertainty in the face of ongoing environmental adversity.
