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Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday stressed that journalism must be rooted in objective, fact-based reporting, saying opinions, assumptions and activism cannot be regarded as news.
“Opinions, assumptions or activism are not journalism. Journalism is conducted on the basis of objective, truthful and data-driven information,” he said while addressing a panel discussion at the Bengal Delta Conference-2026 in the capital.
The conference, organised by the Dacca Institute of Research and Analytics (DAIRA), featured a session titled “Does South Asian Media Face the Same Threats in Different Forms?”
The discussion also included Kanak Mani Dixit, founding editor of Himal Southasian; Shafiqul Alam, former press secretary to the chief adviser and editor of Waadaa; and Suhasini Haider, diplomatic editor of The Hindu. The session was moderated by Nazmul Ahsan, executive editor of Netra News.
Swapon said journalists inevitably interpret events through their own observations and writing, but professionalism depends on maintaining objectivity.
Highlighting the challenges facing the media across South Asia, he said news organisations in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan confront many of the same issues.
“While freedom of expression dominated media debates in the past, the rise of technology and mobile journalism has made combating fake news and misinformation one of the media’s foremost responsibilities,” he said.
The minister noted that public perceptions of journalism have become increasingly fragmented, with no universally accepted definition of the profession.
“People may hold different opinions on the same issue, but a responsible journalist must rise above emotion and personal views to uncover and present the truth,” he said.
He also cautioned against blending journalism with activism.
“The primary responsibility of journalists is to reveal the truth through verified information and data. Without facts or credible information, an idea cannot become news,” he said, adding that objective journalism is essential to understanding and accurately portraying society.
Speaking at the discussion, Shafiqul Alam said both society and newsrooms have become more polarised in the digital era than they were during the age of print journalism.
He said journalists now face a constant struggle for survival as well as growing pressure over their professional independence.
“In the 1980s and 1990s, media control often came through newspaper closures or censorship. Today, influence is exerted through privileges and various forms of inducement,” he said.
He also observed that text-based journalism is gradually shrinking as video-driven digital platforms continue to expand.
Meanwhile, Suhasini Haider said journalists should avoid three roles: acting as government spokespersons, becoming political activists and treating journalism as entertainment.
“Journalists are neither partners of those in power nor agitators. Their role is to analyse events, establish facts and inform the public,” she said.
She also expressed concern over declining regional engagement among South Asian media organisations in recent years.
Later in the day, Swapon attended the Global Conference on AI Leadership and Flagship Prestige Awards 2026 as chief guest at another hotel in Dhaka.
Addressing the conference, he said Bangladesh must keep pace with rapid technological changes by effectively harnessing artificial intelligence to improve productivity and efficiency.
“Working with AI in line with the demands of the modern era is no longer optional; it is a necessity,” the minister said.
The day-long conference brought together technology experts, policymakers, researchers and academics from home and abroad to discuss artificial intelligence, digital leadership, cybersecurity, good governance and international cooperation. Distinguished contributors to AI technology were also honoured during the event.
