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Minister for Information and Broadcasting Zahir Uddin Swapon on Friday underscored the importance of responsible, accurate and objective journalism, saying balanced reporting is essential for helping citizens understand state governance and make informed decisions.
Speaking as the chief guest at the Annual General Meeting 2026 and Silver Jubilee celebration of the Law Reporters Forum (LRF) at the Supreme Court Bar Association building, Swapon warned that distorted information can create confusion, conflict and social disorder.
Addressing journalists, particularly those covering the judiciary, he said they carry a special responsibility because the public depends on their reporting to assess the transparency and fairness of the judicial process.
Describing the media as the “fourth pillar of the state,” the minister said citizens’ ability to evaluate governance depends largely on objective reporting.
Drawing an analogy, he said the media functions like a mirror. Just as a flawed mirror distorts a person’s reflection, the absence of objectivity presents a distorted picture of the state and society, even though the truth itself remains unchanged.
Referring to rapid technological advancements, Swapon said the digital era and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) have created both opportunities and challenges, including the spread of convincing fake images, videos and misinformation.
He stressed the need to modernise existing laws to address these emerging threats.
The minister said the government has already begun work on a new cyber law through a cabinet committee comprising the ministers for foreign affairs, home affairs, ICT and information and broadcasting.
He said effective legislation would require contributions from law reporters, lawyers and other experts, urging them to prepare recommendations for the proposed law.
Swapon also called on the LRF to play an active role in legal reforms while continuing to uphold truth, accuracy and objectivity in journalism.
The programme was chaired by Hasan Jabed, president of the LRF, and moderated by its General Secretary Moneruzzaman Mission.
Attorney General Md. Ruhul Quddus Kajal, Badruddoza Badal, legal experts, political leaders and senior journalists were present on the occasion.