Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today spoke at the Department Day of the Mass Communication and Journalism department of Dhaka University (DU) . Photo: PID

DHAKA, Aug 02 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said that while information scarcity was the primary challenge in the past, misinformation and disinformation have now emerged as the most formidable obstacles.

"In the era of information overflow, misinformation and disinformation are being spread systematically to influence public perception," he said.

The Minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organized on the occasion of Department Day of Mass Communication and Journalism department of Dhaka University (DU) today.

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A B M Obaidul Islam and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir were present as special guests on the occasion held at Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium.

Addressing various queries from students, Zahir Uddin Swapon said, while information distortion was possible even during times of limited information flow, the risk has multiplied manifold today. Modern political processes often design disinformation campaigns to target swing voters and shift public opinion during national elections worldwide, making perception management a major battlefield.

"Freedom of journalism remains a challenge, but the threat posed by fake and distorted news has taken up a far greater space. We are working sincerely to address this issue by leveraging technology and modern mechanisms despite our limitations," he added.

Highlighting the professional security and dignity of journalists, the Info Minister said that many media outlets issue identity cards to journalists without offering proper salaries, leaving workers in vulnerable conditions.

To resolve the issues, the Minister emphasized a consensus among media entrepreneurs, editors, and the journalist community to bring the profession under a structured financial security and dignity.

Furthermore, Swapon said that the work for formation of a 'Media Commission' is progressing steadily after initial consultations with key stakeholders. 

Recommendations from all previous media reform reports will be evaluated to establish standard journalistic guidelines and strengthen the media ecosystem, he assured.

The Minister said that the government is taking initiative to amend the 1973 Press Act to replace the term "anti-government" with "anti-state" regarding regulatory permissions and legal enforcement.

Speaking on journalists' rights and media law reforms, the minister recalled discussions, highlighting that the Prime Minister had granted in-principle approval for the amendment.

"Under the existing provisions of the Act, when seeking permissions or taking regulatory action, the expression used is 'anti-government'. When this issue was raised, the Prime Minister agreed in principle to change it," Swapon said.

He noted that the Prime Minister recently reiterated his commitment to bringing necessary legal changes to categorize acts directed against the country's sovereignty and security as "anti-state" rather than merely "anti-government."