Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan attended a discussion at Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium marking the Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. Photo: Ministry

BARISHAL, Feb 21, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said the government will create an environment free from fear and intimidation for practicing journalism.

He said this while speaking to journalists after attending a discussion at Barishal District Shilpakala Academy auditorium marking the Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.

The minister said his ministry will work for implementing the election manifesto of the ruling BNP.

He said the government is laying special importance on ensuring women’s rights, distributing family cards to every household, creating employment opportunities for the unemployed, waiving loans for farmers, and issuing farmer cards.

Swapan said the government also has a plan to excavate around 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country. 

The aim is to channel tidal river water to farmland so that there is no shortage of irrigation water for agricultural production, he said.

The minister said if gas from Bhola can be fully extracted, it would meet not only the needs of the southern region but also the entire country’s energy demand.

In addition, there is a consideration to connect Payra Port in the southern region with the capital, he said, adding for that, the process of constructing a four-lane road up to Payra will have to be restarted.

Highlighting the potential of Kuakata, he said if Kuakata is developed into a modern tourist destination and direct flight operations are introduced, it would attract international tourists. This would improve the economic condition of the region and increase Bangladesh’s foreign currency earnings, he said.

He said the government has adopted a 180-day plan and will work to ensure the planned activities within the specified timeframe.

After the programme, the minister joined a views-exchange meeting with journalists at the Barishal Press Club.

While talking with journalists, he said the media in Bangladesh has been following a traditional trend for many years. Although new technologies have been introduced, the culture of media has not changed significantly, he said.

President, General Secretary, and senior members of Barishal Press Club were present on the occasion.

Later, the minister took part in various programmes in his constituency, Gournadi and Agailjhara.