Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon spoke as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) in Dhaka on Sunday. Photo: PID

DHAKA, June 7, 2026 (BSS) – Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today said the media is an indispensable mirror of the state, society and modern civilisation, and its objectivity is vital to reflect reality accurately.

“The media is a mirror through which society sees itself. If there are qualitative flaws within this system, it cannot present an accurate reflection,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Good Governance in the Banking Sector and the Role of Media,” organised by the Economic Reporters’ Forum (ERF) in the capital’s Paltan area this morning, with support from United Commercial Bank PLC (UCB).

He stressed that objectivity must remain the core standard and strength of the media to ensure transparency in society.

“Without a strong fact-checking mechanism, media credibility cannot be ensured,” he added.

ERF President Daulat Akhtar Mala chaired the event, while General Secretary Abul Kashem conducted the session.

Speakers at the seminar included Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Nurun Nahar, The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Bangladesh Institute of Bank Management (BIBM) Director General Dr Md Ejazul Islam,

Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) Chairman Dr Masrur Reaz, Dhaka University Banking and Insurance Department Professor Dr Md Mashiur Rahman Zahid and UCB Managing Director and CEO Mohammad Mamdudur Rashid.

The minister emphasised that the role of media in ensuring banking sector's good governance is closely linked with the country’s overall political process and governance standards.

Highlighting the need for institutional reforms, he said the government is working on strengthening administrative, media and anti-corruption frameworks. 

“If reforms are possible in these areas, why not in the banking sector, which is the lifeblood of the economy?” he said, adding that a banking commission would be formed to address structural weaknesses.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening the capital market alongside the banking sector to ensure balanced economic development. 

Responding to recent restrictions on journalists’ access to the central bank, the minister said the key issue is not physical access to specific floors but ensuring access to information.

“Journalists must have the right to access information wherever it is available. Transparency is the first condition of good governance,” he said.

Praising economic journalism, he said it serves as a watchdog for banking sector governance and urged journalists to maintain investigative rigor and objectivity in safeguarding public interest and the right to information.

The seminar was attended by members of the ERF executive committee, senior economic reporters, banking sector experts and media representatives.