Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan spoke at an event at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that work is underway to establish an independent and strong media commission to eliminate discrimination and disorder in the country’s media sector and ensure the rights of all stakeholders.

“Once the commission becomes operational, none will be able to use journalists’ pens for blackmailing, and at the same time, neither the government nor media owners will be able to control or misuse the media,” he told an event at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) today.

DRU organized the event for handing cheques of life insurance to the families of two deceased DRU members under a group insurance agreement.

Swapon said unfortunately, while workers in the garment sector are protected by labor laws, there are still no specific and effective regulations to ensure job security, salary structures, and pension protection for media workers.

He further said bringing the media under a clear legal and institutional framework is one of the government’s main objectives. Everyone should enjoy freedom and dignity in their respective positions, but at the same time, everyone must remain accountable in some way, he added.

Just as media owners will not be allowed to misuse journalists, similarly, misconduct or blackmailing in the name of journalism will not be tolerated, said Swapon. 

Explaining the essence of democracy, Swapon said democracy is not limited to polls day alone rather fulfilling public expectations and keeping all state institutions under obligation and accountability are the main responsibilities of a democratic government.

Two cheques worth a total of Taka 600,000 were handed over to the families of deceased DRU members Nikhil Mankhin and Shyamal Kanti Nag, with each family receiving Taka 300,000 as death claim benefits.

Praising the personal and institutional welfare initiative, the minister said the joint insurance policy introduced by DRU considering the life and professional risks faced by journalists, is highly commendable. 

He urged all journalists in the country to come under such protection schemes.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon chaired the event while General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel conducted it.