North South University (NSU) organised a high-level discussion marking World Press Freedom Day 2026, titled “Measuring Media Freedom in Bangladesh: A Tripartite Framework for Resilient Information Ecosystems” at its Syndicate Hall on Saturday, a press release said.
The event brought together distinguished guests, including Zahir Uddin Swapon, Hon’ble Minister, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt. of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, President, Bangladesh Newspapers’ Owners’ Association, and Editor, The Daily Manabzamin; Dewan Hanif Mahmud, General Secretary of the Editors’ Council and Editor of Daily Bonik Barta; Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman, Board of Trustees, NSU; M A Kashem, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Benajir Ahmed, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Rehana Rahman, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Yeasmin Kamal, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice Chancellor, NSU; Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh; and Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor, NSU; Professor Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer of NSU; AHM Bazlur Rahman, CEO, alongside policymakers, academics, and media professionals to reflect on the state of media freedom and chart a collaborative path forward for a resilient information ecosystem in Bangladesh.
Dr. Rizwanul Islam, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivered the welcome speech. Dr. S.M. Rezwan Ul Alam, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Media, Communication and Journalism, presented the keynote presentation, where he discussed the current challenges and highlighted the importance of establishing a national index for press freedom.
The Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Bangladesh, Zahir Uddin Swapon, MP, said, “In this transformed socio-economic structure, further dialogue among stakeholders is needed to address any fundamental issue. To ensure media freedom, we must foster a culture of accountability among all of us.”
Dewan Hanif Mahmud said, “To ensure media freedom, we must build structurally strong institutions where transparency, accountability, and professional ethics are effectively implemented. At the same time, without ensuring the safety of journalists and an enabling environment for free expression, it is not possible to build a sustainable democratic culture.”
Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said, “Unless the country’s politics and economy are stable and accountable, the situation of journalism will not improve either. I urge the government not to produce journalists who are loyal to authority, because journalism can never be a mouthpiece of power; it is a profession that stands for the people and for the truth.”
Aziz Al Kaiser, stated, “Academic institutions play an important role in strengthening press freedom by preparing skilled and ethical journalists. These professionals must be able to stand for truth and serve the public interest.”
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, “To ensure media freedom, we must strengthen civic practices and invest in education. Academic institutions should actively engage in policymaking and research, as these efforts are essential to building a responsible, skilled, and independent media landscape.”
M A Kashem said, “Without a transparent and independent media, it is not possible to ensure trust and accountability in the business environment. If the media cannot function freely, the country’s political and economic affairs, as well as the justice system, also fail to operate with proper transparency and balance.”
Benajir Ahmed said, “North South University and similar academic institutions must play a more active role in research, training, and policy dialogue, ensuring that future journalists are developed as ethical and skilled professionals while strengthening press freedom.”
Representing UNESCO in Bangladesh, Susan Vize said, “Three key elements are essential for a free media: integrity, accountability, and inclusivity, which together help ensure a transparent, responsible, and representative information ecosystem.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor of NSU, Professor Nasar U. Ahmed, added, “Universities like NSU will continue to provide platforms for meaningful dialogue that bridge policy, practice, and research in addressing national and global challenges.”
The discussion concluded with a consensus to strengthen cooperation among stakeholders to enhance transparency, accountability, and resilience in Bangladesh’s media landscape.
