We will create an environment free of fear for journalism: Info minister Swapan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government will ensure an environment free from fear for journalism.

A 49-member cabinet led by BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman was sworn in yesterday afternoon. Swapan, a member of the new cabinet, has been assigned the information and broadcasting ministry.

He arrived at the Secretariat around 1:15pm today and spoke to journalists.

Referring to his political life, the minister said he understands the mental distress people endure when living in fear, particularly those working in professions such as the media.

“If they have to remain under constant surveillance, it becomes even more difficult,” he said.

“Since we know the problems, and since the prime minister has included media freedom in his plans, we will create a fear-free environment for journalism in Bangladesh, Insha'Allah,” he added.

While speaking to journalists at the Secretariat after the cabinet meeting, Swapan said the government is working to confirm the mechanism for ensuring the free flow of information and media freedom.

Swapan said one of the important political commitments on which the government assumed office was the free flow of information and media freedom.

“We have been saying these things for a long time. But to confirm the mechanism, we are working on it. Since we mean it, we want to make the mechanism clearer,” he said.

He said a commission had been formed during the interim government’s tenure and that its proposals were now with the government.

“Some work had been done earlier. Today I sat in the office, so we held discussions,” he said.

Swapan said he, along with the state minister and others, sat to review all reports so that they could move towards a workable plan regarding media freedom.