No intention to control media: Info Minister
Published: 16 September 2026, 8:05:32
Collected Photo
Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaliv Rahman has said the government has no intention of controlling the media and is committed to protecting press freedom and freedom of expression.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday morning.
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury was also present.
The US ambassador congratulated Andaliv Rahman on assuming office as information minister.
The meeting covered a range of issues, including media freedom, freedom of expression, combating misinformation and disinformation, and Bangladesh-US relations.
Andaliv said the government was working not only to run the state but also to bring positive changes to the country’s political culture.
As an example, he cited the broadcasting of opposition party news on Bangladesh Television (BTV), saying the government was committed to maintaining an environment conducive to independent journalism and freedom of expression.
The minister said the government would, however, take necessary measures to curb defamatory statements, misinformation and disinformation spreading across social media and other platforms.
“Our experience over the past 17 years has not been good. But the current government is working with good intentions to bring positive changes to the way the state is governed.”
Referring to the Cyber Security Act, Rahman reiterated that the government had no intention of controlling the media.
He said measures were being taken responsibly and in good faith while upholding media freedom and the right to freedom of expression.
The two sides also discussed bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the United States.
Ambassador Christensen said relations between the two countries were becoming stronger and expanding across various areas, including trade and business.
