Diplomatic Desk:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that the current government is determined to ensure complete media freedom in the country. At the same time, he mentioned that protecting the public from the risks of misinformation and disinformation is equally important.
He said these things during a courtesy call on Brent T. Christensen, the US Ambassador to Bangladesh, at the Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Monday (April 27, 2026) morning.
The meeting discussed various issues including strengthening mutual relations between the two countries and expanding media, cultural and knowledge-based cooperation in detail.
The Information Minister said that in the current technology-dependent world, it is important to bring digital platforms under a specific set of rules and regulations. He emphasized that a coordinated global initiative is needed to prevent the misuse of digital platforms.
He further said that the government is working to ensure transparency and accountability along with media freedom. To this end, regular meetings are being held with various stakeholders related to the media and an effective roadmap will be formulated based on the proposals received from those discussions. He sought technical and professional cooperation from the United States in this regard.
In the meeting, the US Ambassador said that the United States regularly provides scholarships in various specialized sectors to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi students and professionals. He expressed hope that the country’s youth can benefit significantly through this.
At the time, the Information Minister expressed hope that there will be a fair trial in the recent murder of two Bangladeshi students in Florida, USA. Representatives of the US Embassy said that the accused in this incident has already been arrested.
Senior officials of the US Embassy were also present at the meeting.
