Photo: PID

DHAKA, May 3, 2026 (BSS) – The World Press Freedom Day was observed today in the country as elsewhere in the world today with the global theme “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security”.

Every year, May 3 is observed as the World Press Freedom Day to evaluate press freedom around the world to defend the media from attacks on their independence.

Marking the ‘World Press Freedom Day 2026’, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting brought out a procession  and organized a discussion in the capital this morning aiming to highlight the role of media in ensuring transparency and accountability in the digital era.

The procession was brought out this morning from the Officers’ Club premises, which ended at the Tathya Bhaban here after parading city streets, according to an official handout here today.

Later, a discussion was held at the conference room of the Department of Films and Publications in “Tathya Bhaban” (Information Building) complex on Circuit House Road here.

Speaking at the discussion, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said the government will initiate the process of forming a strong Media Commission aimed at building an independent and responsible media structure in the country. 

"A consultative committee comprising media experts and all relevant stakeholders will be formed prior to the establishment of the full commission," he told the discussion.

Referring to challenges in the era of information overload, he said disinformation has become a major concern in the age of artificial intelligence and algorithms.

"Today, the challenge is not access to information, but the deliberate distortion and manipulation of information to mislead people. We must focus on building global platforms to combat misinformation and ensure 'clean information'," he added.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to journalists' safety, the minister said no journalist will be jailed without due cause.

Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim said the council is being strengthened to ensure professional rights and legal protection for journalists.

He stressed that press freedom is essential for democracy and the rule of law, but also emphasised accountability alongside freedom. 

"Rights and responsibilities are inseparable. In many cases, lack of adherence to jurisdiction and limitations creates disorder in society. Maintaining high standards of ethics and professional discipline is essential for journalists," he added.

UNESCO Bangladesh and Transparency International Bangladesh jointly organized a dialogue marking the World Press Freedom Day at MIDAS Center in the city today.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said the government is working to rebuild a strong, independent and vibrant media in the country.

“The government does not want any kind of hostility or conflict with the media. Rather, it is working to rebuild a strong, independent, and vibrant media system in the country,” he told the dialogue.

Zahed said the government welcomes constructive criticism and views media freedom as essential for a democratically elected government.

On Saturday, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) jointly organized a seminar titled “New Challenges of Media: Misinformation- Our Course of Action” marking the World Press Freedom Day 2026 at Jatiya Press Club. The information minister addressed it as the chief guest.

Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) also organized a seminar titled "Rumours and Misinformation in Media: Who is the Victim? Who is the Predator?" at its auditorium here Saturday. 

Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman addressed it as the chief guest. UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Bangladesh Dr Susan Vize also spoke.

The day was also observed in different divisional cities, district towns with holding discussions and seminars and bringing out processions demanding press freedom and professional safety of journalists. 

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 following a Recommendation adopted at the twenty-sixth session of UNESCO's General Conference in 1991.

The day is observed to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in discharging their professional duties, according to the website of UNESCO.