Public Understanding of Governance Depends on the Media: Information Minister

Photo: Collected

News Desk: Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapan has said that the more responsibly and accurately the media performs its role, the better the public will understand how the state is governed, enabling citizens to form informed opinions and make informed decisions. However, he warned that distorted information can create confusion, conflict, and disorder in society.

He made the remarks on Friday while addressing the Annual General Meeting 2026 and Silver Jubilee celebration of the Law Reporters Forum (LRF) at the Supreme Court Bar Association building as the chief guest.

The minister said that informed citizens rely not only on journalists for information but also on media reports to assess how transparently and impartially the judicial process is being conducted. Therefore, he stressed that journalists covering the judiciary have a particularly important responsibility.

He noted that representatives of the country's leading media outlets, through the Law Reporters Forum, play a vital role in presenting the work of the judiciary to the public. In modern political science, he said, the media is regarded as the fourth pillar of the state because it provides a transparent reflection of state and societal affairs.

Jahir Uddin Swapan said that citizens' ability to properly evaluate the country's governance depends largely on the media's responsibility and objectivity. Through accurate reporting, people can determine whether the country is moving in the right direction and decide whether to support the current course or advocate for change.

Drawing an analogy, he said that just as an imperfect mirror distorts a person's reflection, an irresponsible media presents a distorted picture of the state and society. While truth remains constant, misinformation can lead to conflict and instability.

The minister described the judiciary as one of the most important institutions of the state, noting that citizens often seek justice from the courts even when their grievances involve the state itself. As a result, journalists covering legal affairs bear an even greater responsibility.

He also observed that the world is undergoing rapid transformation as it moves from the analog era to the digital age. While advances in information technology have created new opportunities, they have also introduced new challenges, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

The minister said that AI cannot simply be rejected, but neither should it be adopted without adequate preparation. Modern technology, he noted, now makes it possible to generate highly convincing fake images, videos, and information that appear authentic despite being false. He therefore emphasized the urgent need to reform and modernize laws to keep pace with these emerging realities.

He added that the government has already begun work on updating the country's cyber laws. A cabinet committee has been formed for this purpose, with the Foreign Minister, Home Minister, ICT Minister, and himself serving as members.

The minister said the government cannot accomplish this task alone and called for cooperation from law reporters, lawyers, and relevant experts in drafting effective legislation suited to the evolving technological landscape. He said the government would seek their recommendations and encouraged them to begin preparing now.

He further remarked that the Law Reporters Forum's annual general meeting should not be limited to organizational or financial matters. Given the complexities facing society today, he said, the organization has an important role to play in addressing broader legal and social challenges.

Concluding his speech, Jahir Uddin Swapan said that the primary responsibility of the media is to present the truth to the public. For journalists covering legal affairs, objectivity must remain the guiding principle. He expressed hope that the Law Reporters Forum would play a significant role in supporting legal reforms needed to make the future world more just and livable in an era shaped by technology and scientific advancement.

The event was chaired by LRF President Hasan Zaved and moderated by General Secretary Moniruzzaman Mission. Among the speakers were Attorney General Barrister Md. Ruhul Quddus Kajal, BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Barrister Badruddoza Badal, Supreme Court Bar Association Secretary Mohammad Ali, BNP International Affairs Secretary Barrister Nasir Uddin Ahmed Asim, senior Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Shishir Monir, and Ittefaq Executive Editor Saleh Uddin.

Former LRF presidents Swapan Das Gupta, M. Badiuzzaman, Syed Ahmed, Ashutosh Sarkar, Wakil Ahmed Hiron, Mashhudul Haque, and former General Secretaries Didarul Alam Didar and Ahmed Sarwar Hossain Bhuiyan were also present.