Barisal, March 22, 2026 (BSS): Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that although journalism is a noble profession, it is becoming controversial due to the activities of some individuals. 

He said that just as top-level figures in the state, including the Prime Minister, must be held accountable, media workers must also be held accountable. 

He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at the Eid reunion meeting organized by the Agailjhara Press Club in Barisal on Sunday.

At that time, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting also said, "If there is any argument or controversy about the identity of those who identify themselves as journalists in Agailjhar, the journalists themselves will decide. There is no need for us to decide." 

He also said, "We don't need to see who is a junior journalist, who is a senior journalist, who is educated, who is not. Because we are readers." 

Zahir Uddin Swapan said, "Those who will lead the press club will form a team and determine this. We will look carefully at whomever you say is good, and we will consider the matter of those who are accused of blackmailing in the name of journalism accordingly."

At that time, the minister also said that no one gets rich easily in professions like journalism. Such professions need to be supported. Because it is a work of talent, it is not a work of physical labor that is like 'I have the strength in my body, so I did it'. 

"It takes a certain kind of talent and ability," he said. "But if they can't get rid of their identity crisis, then the state and society become embarrassed."

The minister further said that a great profession like journalism has become very controversial because of a few people. Many people are embarrassed and ashamed to introduce themselves as journalists. Then I console them by saying that I am a politician, yet sometimes I am ashamed to introduce myself. Because in politics too, many things are not worth introducing. As a result, journalists are careful, politicians are also careful. Especially, after August 5, politicians have realized it. 

He said, "Now we need to create a process to identify those who commit 'disinformation', so that honest journalists can survive and no one can blackmail them. Fortunately, since I have relationships with everyone, I want to keep journalism in a respectable position with their advice." 

Zahir Uddin Swapan further said, "I hope that it will be possible to bring the great profession of journalism into a respectable framework very soon. For this, the three parties - newspaper owners, journalists and the government - will determine the process through a meeting."

At the initiative of the Agailjhara Press Club of Barisal, under the leadership of the Press Club General Secretary FM Nazmul Ripon and the chairmanship of the Press Club President Md. Shamimul Islam Shamim, the following spoke at the Eid reunion meeting: General Secretary of Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association MM Badshah, Upazila Executive Officer Likhon Banik, Upazila BNP Acting Convener Sikder Hafizul Islam, Member Secretary Molla Bashir Ahmed Panna, former President of Agailjhara Press Club Sardar Harun Rana, Md. Saiful Islam, Vice President Md. Masum Howlader, among others.