Objective data key to free flow of information: Info minister
The minister says the free flow of information is as essential to civilisation as oxygen is to human survival
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today (2 May) said 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 said.
He made these remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a seminar marking the World Press Freedom Day 2026 held at North South University (NSU) in the capital, organised by the university's Media, Communication and Journalism (MCJ) Department.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on 3 May, highlights the fundamental principles of press freedom, evaluates global media independence, defends media against attacks, and honours journalists who lost their lives.
The minister said that the free flow of information is as essential to civilisation as oxygen is to human survival.
He said people cannot live without oxygen, while a state or society cannot survive without accurate information.
"Someone who does not understand oxygen may not realise its absence, but a conscious society knows that without it, the environment fills with carbon dioxide. Similarly, misinformation or disinformation is poisoning society," he also said.
Highlighting challenges in the digital age, Swapon said that while there is no shortage of information today, there is a lack of accurate information.
He stated that digital hazards and misinformation have now turned into a global crisis.
The minister also pointed out the lack of accountability in the country's political and social culture.
"Alongside ensuring the free flow of information, maintaining its integrity requires an advanced regulatory system. The government does not aim to act as an authoritarian ruler, but rather as a servicing manager to ensure the proper flow of information," he said.
The minister further informed that the government is working on a sustainable roadmap to ensure accurate information and a free media environment.
As part of this initiative, plans are underway to build a "resourceful network" involving journalism departments, teachers, and students from universities across the country, he said.
The seminar was presided over by the Vice-Chancellor of North South University (NSU), Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury.
Among others, speakers included the chairman of the NSU's Board of Trustees, Aziz Al Kaiser, General Secretary of the Editors' Council and Editor of Bonik Barta, Dewan Hanif Mahmud, President of Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh and editor-in-chief of Manabzamin, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, and Bangladesh Representative of Unesco, Susan Vize.
Speaking at the seminar, Noab President Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said that the current time is highly unstable for journalism.
While mainstream journalism faces multiple challenges, misinformation spread through social media and "photo cards" is creating confusion among the public.
He warned that due to this uneven competition and the spread of misinformation, mainstream media outlets are ultimately becoming victims.
Welcome remarks were delivered by the Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at NSU, Md. Rizwanul Islam.
The keynote paper was presented by Associate Professor and MCJ Department Chair Dr SM Rezwan Ul Alam.
The designated discussant was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh NGOs Network for Radio and Communication (BNNRC), AHM Bazlur Rahman.
Teachers and students of the university also participated in the seminar, highlighting various challenges and proposals related to journalism in the country on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026.
