Information Minister Zahiruddin Swapan visited the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) on Wednesday before going to his ministry at the Secretariat.

State Minister for Home Yaser Khan Chowdhury accompanied him.

They reached the Press Club around 1pm where its president Hasan Hafiz welcomed them.

Later, the minister exchanged greetings with journalists at the TV room.

BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Vice-President KM Mohsin, Dhaka Union of Journalists President Shahidul Islam, Vice-President Basir Jamal, Press Club member Kazi Rownak Hossain and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan were, among others, present.

Addressing journalists, the information minister said he had always been with journalists and will continue to do so.

Swapan highlighted the importance of independent journalism to strengthen the media sector. “As a political activist, this Press Club has been my second home since my student life. We even organised hartal programmes after having dal puri here.”

Will ensure fear-free media environment in Bangladesh: Info Minister

The minister said he now has a responsibility to work with journalists and understands that problems in the media sector cannot be solved without addressing journalists’ own problems.

“Our ministry, following the plan of our leader Tarique Rahman, will present a work plan in line with ensuring media freedom. “Before that, we will hold discussions with journalists and all stakeholders,” the minister said.

Later, the minister went to his ministry at the Secretariat where Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana welcomed him with flowers.

He then met ministry officials.