Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon -File photo

DHAKA, August 25, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon has underscored the need for giving the media a strong institutional structure. 

“The government is ready to provide policy support to institutionalize the media and protect the interests of all stakeholders associated with newspapers,” he told a discussion organized marking the 43rd founding anniversary of the Bangla daily Dainik Janata at Jatiya Press Club.

Syed M Altaf Hossain, chairman of the editorial board of Dainik Janata, chaired the discussion, which was moderated by its editor, Obaidur Rahman Shahin. 

Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim attended as a special guest while Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam, General Secretary Khurshid Alam, Photojournalists Association President Mohsin Hossain, and former president Bulbul Ahmed.

Swapon said the government would provide policy support so that newspaper owners can invest safely and ensure that their investments become profitable. 

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of everyone involved in the media industry, including editors, journalists and printing-press workers.

He said primary responsibility of journalism is to question those in power while an elected and democratic government considers questions an asset. 

The more questions that are asked, he said, the more the government will be able to clarify its work and demonstrate its accountability and responsibility to the people.

He said everyone should remain alert as supporters of the past fascist regime cannot exploit opportunities again under the guise of constructive criticism. 

Regarding the electricity and energy crisis, the adviser said the country is now facing a fragile economy due to the previous government’s 17 years of misguided energy policies, unplanned projects and widespread looting. 

He said the government is sincerely working to overcome the crises it has inherited.