Published: 12:03 AM, 04 May 2026 Last Update: 12:08 AM, 04 May 2026
Demand for releasing jailed journalists marks Press Freedom Day
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan addressed an event in the capital yesterday on account of World Press Freedom Day. -AA
The World Press Freedom Day was observed in Bangladesh on Sunday (3 May 2026). Journalist leaders have called upon the government to immediately take necessary measures to release the media professionals who are still inside jail. At a program organized in Dhaka yesterday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that cases filed against journalists will be brought under institutional frameworks.
Senior journalists urged the Information and Broadcasting Minister to ensure fair trial and to secure bail for imprisoned media workers quickly. General Secretary of Editors' Council Dewan Hanif Mahmud said "Newspaper offices were torched during the Liberation War of 1971. Newspaper offices came under arson attacks once again in 2025. Our statecraft has started getting rotten and this ailing situation dreadfully affects mass media too."
Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, President of Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) wondered why imprisoned journalists have been framed in murder cases. He stated that most of the cases lodged against journalists during last around 19 months are fictitious. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury complained that the jailed journalists' court proceedings have been slowed down for mysterious reasons. Zahir Uddin Swapan informed that the government wants to constitute an advisory committee for launching a Mass Media Commission for the betterment of journalists.
Earlier on, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry brought out a colourful rally from the capital's Officers Club on account of the World Press Freedom Day. Zahir Uddin Swapan assured that the government is sincere about fortifying news outlets' independence under all circumstances.
