Desk Report:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that sustainable development is not possible unless equal opportunities are ensured for everyone in society and the state. From the teachings of science and history, we see that the path forward based on equality is the only way to lead a society to long-term progress.
The Information Minister said these things while speaking as the chief guest at a dialogue organized at a hotel in the capital on Tuesday (August 18, 2026). The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the German International Development Cooperation Agency GIZ and the Norwegian government organized this dialogue titled ‘Information Integrity and Social Cohesion in Bangladesh: Policy, Platform Accountability and Collective Action’.
The minister said that the world of media and information is changing rapidly in Bangladesh. As the opportunities for information flow have increased with the advancement of technology, new challenges have also emerged.
He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts by the state, media, civil society, and international development partners to address these challenges.
The Minister of Information and Broadcasting said that in addition to ensuring the free flow of information, it is very important to ensure the credibility and responsibility of information in the present era. As the scope of information is expanding due to the rapid development of information technology and artificial intelligence, dealing with misinformation, disinformation, and misleading information has also become a major challenge.
He said that international experience must be used to find effective solutions to these issues. At the same time, we must build our own capacity in light of the reality and needs of Bangladesh.
Citing the example of Frankenstein, the Minister of Information said that if technology ultimately goes beyond human control, then such a monstrous world may be created in the future, which may ultimately destroy us.
Highlighting the various initiatives of the government to modernize the media and information system, the Minister of Information said that coordination of research, policymaking, skill development, and international cooperation is very important in this regard.
He called for the positive use of new generation technologies, especially artificial intelligence, digital platforms and data-driven communication systems.
He also said that these three issues – freedom of the media, responsibility and the right of the people to information – must be considered in an integrated manner. At the same time, opportunities must be created for media workers to improve their skills and adapt to new technologies.
The Minister expressed hope that such an event by UNDP will play an important role in formulating policies and adopting effective action plans in the country’s media sector.
UNDP representatives, media experts, journalists and representatives of development cooperation agencies participated in the dialogue.
