Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon speaks at Agamir Somoy newspaper inauguration ceremony held at a city hotel. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said that work is underway to form an effective, widely acceptable and independent mass media commission aimed at ensuring a free media environment in the country.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of a new Bengali daily "Agamir Somoy" at a city hotel this evening, the minister said the proposed commission would be formed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

He said the government is working to establish a commission with quasi-judicial authority in the near future. Once formed, it would help ensure media freedom while also protecting the rights and security of journalists, he added.

"The government is moving away from an oversight mindset toward the media. In line with the commitments of our party leader Tarique Rahman, we are working to ensure an independent mass media environment," Swapon said.

The commission, he added, would ensure that neither media owners nor others could deprive journalists of professional rights or misuse journalistic privileges.

Swapon further said the media sector must adapt to technological changes, including the challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), and expressed hope that "Agamir Somoy" would play a constructive role in the digital and online media landscape.

The inaugural programme was attended by senior political leaders, editors and prominent citizens. Editor of Daily 'Agamir Somoy' Mostafa Mamun delivered the welcome address.

Among others present were BNP standing committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, and MP Barkat Ullah Bulu.

Editors' Council President and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami assistant secretary general Hamidur Rahman Azad, Biplobi Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Haque and economist Prof MM Akash also spoke at the event.