Bangladesh vows to rebuild public trust in media on World Press Freedom Day

UNESCO and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Sunday marked World Press Freedom Day 2026 through a high-level dialogue in Dhaka.

The event was held at TIB’s Dhaka office and brought together senior policymakers, editors, journalists, civil society representatives, and development partners. Discussions focused on rebuilding public trust in media and strengthening democratic accountability in Bangladesh.

Speaking as the chief guest, Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasised the importance of strengthening public trust through a credible and enabling media environment.

“A credible and independent media ecosystem is essential for informed public discourse and accountable governance. Strengthening professional journalism and ensuring journalist safety require sustained collaboration across sectors,” he said.

At the opening ceremony, Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, highlighted the critical role of independent media in ensuring transparency and accountability.

“Public trust in media is fundamental to democratic governance. Strengthening media independence and protecting journalists are essential to ensuring that citizens have access to credible information and can hold institutions accountable,” he said.

Delivering opening remarks, Dr Susan Vize, head of office and UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, noted, “Independent, pluralistic and professional media are central to informed public discourse. Strengthening journalist safety and information integrity is critical to rebuilding trust in today’s complex information environment.”

The programme also featured remarks from Dr Rüdiger Lotz, ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Bangladesh and Paola Castro Neiderstam, first secretary for human rights, democracy and gender equality at the Embassy of Sweden.

Moderated by Iftekharuzzaman, the programme also included a high-level panel discussion featuring leading media professionals and experts. The panelists included Kamal Ahmed, consulting editor of The Daily Star; Reaz Ahmad, editor of Dhaka Tribune; Shahnaz Munni, senior television journalist; and Fahim Ahmed, chairman of the Broadcast Journalists Center.

Discussions highlighted the growing challenges facing Bangladesh’s media landscape, including political and economic pressures, safety concerns for journalists and the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation in digital spaces.

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Drawing on UNESCO’s recent analyses, participants emphasised that rebuilding public trust requires stronger editorial independence, higher professional standards, enhanced media and information literacy and closer collaboration among media institutions, government, civil society, and development partners.

World Press Freedom Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, is observed annually on 3 May to promote freedom of expression, assess the state of press freedom worldwide and honour journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.