International Desk:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has stressed the importance of credible communication, strong democratic institutions and independent media to ensure stability in the changing global system.
The minister said this at the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM) 2026 held in Istanbul on Friday (March 27, 2026).
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Head of the Communication Department Burhanettin Duran delivered the opening remarks at the event.
Speaking at a panel discussion titled ‘New Global Framework: A Communication Perspective’, the Information and Broadcasting Minister thanked the Turkish government for this timely arrangement.
He said such initiatives are crucial in the context of global power shifts and disinformation and disinformation campaigns. He noted that strategic communication has now become a central component of governance and states are increasingly being evaluated on the credibility and consistency of their communication.
He said that the most effective way to counter disinformation is to build strong institutions, especially an independent and professional media.
The minister highlighted Bangladesh’s ongoing reform efforts, including strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring media freedom, reviewing laws that hinder expression, and building an independent and accountable media regulatory framework.
He highlighted three key principles for strategic communication: credibility, democratic tolerance, and global cooperation.
He highlighted the challenges of countering disinformation and disinformation in a populous and rapidly digitalizing country like Bangladesh.
He noted that information was strategically distorted and used to control the people during previous fascist regimes.
The Information Minister noted the strong bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Turkey and appreciated Turkey’s support on humanitarian issues, including the Rohingya crisis.
He concluded his speech by calling for the development of an inclusive global communication framework, where the voices of developing countries would be adequately reflected.
The panel discussion also included Tahsin Ertugrul, Foreign Minister of Northern Cyprus, Hamza Al-Mustafa, Information Minister of Syria, and Kanat Zhumabaevich Iskhakov, Deputy Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan.
