Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon reiterated the government’s firm commitment to ensuring press freedom, highlighting a historic effort to bring all media stakeholders onto a single platform to shape the country’s media landscape.

The minister made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a workshop organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at a city hotel, aimed at formulating the outline for a proposed National Media Commission.

“Through this, immense opportunity has been created to ensure press freedom and form an independent National Media Commission in the country,” Swapon said.

He noted that this gathering marked a “unique milestone in the country's media history,” being the first time all mainstream media stakeholders have been convened on one platform. Emphasizing the government’s collaborative stance, he stated that during this reform process, the state will serve only as a “supporting” and cooperative partner.

“The government will only play the role of a coordinator in successfully advancing the great and independent objective of the media on behalf of the state,” he added.

Reiterating the administration's pledge to build a democratic and welfare-oriented state, the minister said that the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had promised citizens before the elections to repair and reform all necessary state structures.

“One of the most important sectors listed for this reform is the media. The government is committed to ensuring the media freedom,” he asserted, noting that the event’s success depends on the stakeholders finding a unanimous path forward through discussion.

Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman delivered the keynote speech at the event, while State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury offered the welcome address.

Reflecting on the political transition, Yasser Khan noted that a democratic government had been established following a “bloody revolution and struggle.”

He urged participants to provide specific suggestions on how the media can serve as a “companion and collaborator” in the government’s development journey.

Putting emphasis on the need for institutional strength, the State Minister added, "We want to form a Media Commission that will be very strong and where there will be accountability. Your valuable opinions and suggestions on how to make this commission more effective and accountable are very important."

The workshop was moderated by Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana and saw participation from a wide array of industry representatives. Attendees included members of the National Editors Council, the National Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), the Television Editors Council, the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO), the National Media Watch Council, the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), the Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC), the Photo Journalists Association, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, and the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust.