Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday identified misinformation as the biggest challenge confronting journalism in the digital era, emphasizing that the government has initiated several strategies to address this escalating issue. Speaking at a seminar titled “Politics, Power and Interconnections: Theory, Reality and the Future,” organized by the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University to commemorate its 64th founding anniversary, Swapon highlighted the proliferation of misinformation alongside the rise of digital platforms.

According to United News of Bangladesh, Swapon remarked on the changing dynamics of information dissemination, noting that while misinformation existed even when information flowed in a single direction, the digital age has significantly amplified its spread. He emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling misinformation with considerable importance through various measures.

Drawing from political theorists, Swapon underscored the vital role of journalism in a democratic society, asserting that journalism is indispensable to civilization and functions as the fourth pillar of the state. He posed a rhetorical question about the existence of a state without journalism, suggesting that a civilized society would prioritize journalism even over the state itself.

Swapon elaborated on the dual responsibility inherent in journalism to uncover truth and maintain objectivity. He acknowledged that public welfare and activism could also play a crucial role in journalism. However, he cautioned that when journalists pursue predefined objectives, objectivity might be compromised, leading to conflicts between truth and aspiration.

Addressing governance issues, Swapon warned that a state might become oppressive if its leaders lack vision or are solely driven by authority. He also discussed history and political narratives, emphasizing that unresolved historical debates would persist unless truth-seeking processes become universal.

During the seminar, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir critiqued the notion of “neutral journalism,” advocating for journalists to support public interest and rights instead of remaining aloof from political and social contexts. In response to Kabir’s call for repealing colonial-era media laws, Swapon mentioned that the government is considering amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act, 1973, under the Prime Minister’s directive to revise its language regarding writing against the state.