The government is committed to carrying forward media reforms, with work already underway to implement the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said on Thursday.

He made the remarks while speaking at a programme jointly organised by the Citizens' Platform for SDG Implementation, the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) and the Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF).

The minister said investigative journalism and citizen initiatives can play an important role in strengthening state governance.

Thanking ERF and other stakeholders, he said their criticism, observations and analysis help the government make more effective and accountable decisions.

He also said efforts are progressing to ensure journalist safety, establish effective mechanisms to address harassment, and develop a welfare framework for retired journalists.

Highlighting the need for policy reforms, he said a comprehensive advertising policy is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in the media sector, and stressed the importance of strengthening a technology-based “reform tracking” system.

The minister expressed hope that coordinated efforts by the government, media and civil society would help build a people-oriented, transparent and responsible media environment.

Among others, CPD Honorary Fellow Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir and The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid also spoke at the event.