Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan on Monday said the government is working on a plan to resolve the ongoing issue surrounding journalists’ access to the Secretariat by introducing one or more accreditation cards for media houses.

Speaking at a view-exchange meeting organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat Media Centre, the minister said the proposed system would help streamline entry while ensuring security and maintaining a proper database.

The meeting was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Hoque and moderated by its General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal.

Swapan said he has already discussed the matter with the Home Minister to simplify journalists’ access to the Secretariat so they can perform their professional duties without hindrance.

“We are thinking of a structured arrangement. You may nominate two or three representatives from among you, and we will consult with them before finalising the decision,” he said.

The minister explained that under the proposed system, media houses would send designated representatives to the Secretariat. This would reduce pressure on entry management and ensure that only authorised journalists enter for professional purposes.

“Regarding entry into the Secretariat, we will try to resolve the issue by targeting media houses and issuing one or more cards. It will also help us maintain a database of how many representatives from each media house are entering on a given day,” he said.

Swapan said the process must strictly follow existing policies. “We want to proceed institutionally in all matters. Therefore, the accreditation system will be made more enforceable in line with policy,” he added.

He assured that if any journalist has been unfairly excluded, the government will take initiative to provide accreditation card facilities in accordance with policy guidelines.