Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Friday said the government will ensure the highest level of media freedom by defining the scope of accountability in consultation with journalists and other stakeholders to guarantee the free flow of information to the public.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from reporters after distributing cheques of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) among road accident victims at a program held at the Barisal Circuit House on Friday morning.

The minister said the government is working to bring the country’s overall media management system under a modern framework.

“We have yet to fully integrate with the new global ecosystem of technology-based media. When the Ministry of Information was established, there were no technology-driven media platforms. Even with the rapid expansion of digital media, we have not adapted as required,” he said.

Swapan added that since assuming office, he has initiated discussions with policymakers to gradually ensure the free flow of information in line with government policies.

Earlier, he distributed BRTA cheques worth Tk 21.7 million among 61 road accident victims from Barisal and Pirojpur districts.

The cheque distribution event was chaired by Barisal Deputy Commissioner Khairul Alam Sumon. Among the special guests were BRTA Chairman (Additional Secretary) Abu Momtaz Sad Uddin Ahmed and Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam, along with officials from various government departments.

Later, the minister attended a view-exchange meeting with district-level officials at the Circuit House conference room.

Following the meeting, Swapan told journalists that the new government has announced several commitments, including a waiver of agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 and the introduction of Family Card and Farmer Card initiatives. He said discussions were held with local officials to ensure the swift and proper implementation of these decisions in the district.