‘Journalism must be based on truth, not opinions’
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said journalism must be rooted in truth, objectivity and verifiable information, stressing that opinions, assumptions or activism cannot be considered journalism.
Speaking at a panel discussion during the Bengal Delta Conference 2026 in the capital on Saturday, the minister said journalists have a responsibility to present facts impartially and protect the public from misinformation.
“Opinions, assumptions or activism are not journalism. Journalism is based on objective, truthful and data-driven information,” he said.
The panel discussion, titled “Does South Asian Media Face the Same Threats in Different Forms?”, was organised by the Dacca Institute of Research and Analytics (DAIRA) and moderated by Netra News Executive Editor Nazmul Ahsan.
Other panellists 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. Swapon said journalists inevitably interpret events through their reporting, but maintaining objectivity is essential to preserving professionalism.
He noted that media organisations across South Asia face similar challenges, saying the priority has shifted from debates over freedom of expression to combating fake news and misinformation in the age of digital and mobile journalism.
The minister said journalists must rise above personal opinions and emotions to reveal the truth.
“The responsibility of journalists is not activism but uncovering facts based on evidence. Without data or specific information, an idea cannot become news,” he said.
During the discussion, Shafiqul Alam said both society and newsrooms have become increasingly polarised in the digital era, while journalists now face constant pressure over survival and professional independence.
He said media control has evolved from censorship and newspaper closures in previous decades to influencing journalists and newsrooms through incentives and privileges, adding that video-based digital journalism is rapidly replacing traditional text-based reporting. Suhasini Haider said journalists should avoid becoming government spokespersons, political activists or entertainers.
“The role of journalism is to analyse facts, inform the public and promote awareness,” she said, adding that regional understanding and communication in South Asia have weakened in recent years.
Later in the day, Swapon attended the Global Conference on AI Leadership and Flagship Prestige Awards 2026 as chief guest.
He said Bangladesh must embrace artificial intelligence to improve productivity and efficiency in line with global technological advances.
The conference brought together technology experts, policymakers, researchers and academics to discuss artificial intelligence, digital leadership, cybersecurity, governance and international cooperation, while recognising contributions to AI innovation.
