Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon highlighted that the prevailing challenge in journalism is the struggle between misinformation and accurate reporting, along with the dichotomy of falsehood and truth. Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Role of Media in Sustainable Democracy’ organized by the Television Editors’ Council at a city hotel, Minister Swapon emphasized that safeguarding credible information is now a fundamental ethical duty of journalism.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister asserted the importance of combating dishonest journalism and stressed that honest journalism must take on this responsibility. He described the primary challenge not as a conflict between the government and journalists or media owners and journalists, but rather as a battle between misinformation and truth, and dishonest and objective journalism.

The seminar also featured Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir as the chief guest. Swapon underlined that sustainable democracy and a free, responsible media are interdependent. He remarked that an independent media is necessary for sustainable democracy, and a democratic environment is vital for the development of independent media.

Swapon also addressed the current state of media freedom, claiming no interference by the government or intelligence agencies. He questioned whether democracy should be established first or if it would emerge through the growth of a free media, suggesting that both must progress together.

Describing the media as an industry, Swapon emphasized the necessity for media organizations to maintain financial viability, accountability, legal compliance, and social responsibility. He identified the government, media owners, and advertisers as key stakeholders in the media ecosystem, stating that a healthy media system requires balance among these groups.

The minister highlighted the increasing influence of digital platforms, global technology companies, and artificial intelligence on journalism. Swapon concluded by stressing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the media ecosystem to establish sustainable democracy and a strong media presence.