Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has underscored the media's crucial role as a mirror of society, emphasizing that it must accurately reflect how society functions. Speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking the 56th anniversary of Dainik Biplobi Bangladesh in Barishal, he highlighted the need for a flawless media to maintain its credibility and play a watchdog role in society.
Swapon asserted that a flawed media cannot portray the real face of society and thus, the responsibility for making the media flawless must be taken by the media itself. He stressed the importance of investigative journalism in identifying and exposing sources of drugs, influential individuals involved in crime, and other societal issues.
The minister also touched upon the ongoing conspiracy to keep the future generation addicted to drugs, alleging that some MPs from the previous Awami League government amassed assets through the illegal drug trade. He urged the media to bring such critical information to light.
On the topic of development, Swapon criticized the previous government's import-based energy policy, arguing that it was designed to benefit a select group of importers at the expense of the nation. He praised the current government's focus on domestic gas extraction as a more sustainable and cost-effective approach.
Swapon called for a new political settlement in the country, highlighting Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's 31-point programme aimed at repairing Bangladesh's political culture. He urged the media to play a "whip-like role" in compelling political parties to take responsibility for changing the country's political landscape.
