Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said work is under way to establish an acceptable media commission aimed at ensuring accountability in the media and an environment for professional journalism. He said a draft for the proposed commission would be prepared within a short time. Swapan made the remarks on Friday afternoon at a discussion meeting at the Barishal Circuit House.

The meeting was organised by the Barishal Television and Multimedia Association and the district committee for preventing harassment of journalists. The minister expressed hope that an acceptable commission could be formed with everyone’s cooperation. He said the body would create a strong framework to encourage honest journalism and establish effective resistance against dishonest journalism.

Participants discussed journalists’ professional responsibilities, media freedom, accountability and measures to ensure a safe working environment for journalists. Representatives from the association, the journalists’ harassment prevention committee, Barishal press clubs and various media outlets attended the meeting.