News Desk
On March 27 Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Minister, Zahir Uddin Swapan, highlighted the critical role of credible communication, independent media, and strong democratic institutions at the International Strategic Communication Summit (STRATCOM 2026) held today in Istanbul, Turkey.
Speaking before an international audience of policymakers, media experts, and government officials, Swapan underscored the importance of a professional and independent press in countering misinformation and sustaining public trust. “The most effective response to misinformation lies in strengthening institutions, particularly an independent and professional media. A strong fourth estate is essential to protect truth, ensure accountability, and sustain public trust,” he stated.
The summit, hosted by the government of Turkey, featured opening remarks from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, and Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran. The event provided a platform for countries to discuss strategies for strategic communication in an era marked by shifting global power dynamics and rising challenges of disinformation.
During a panel discussion titled “A New Framework for the Global Order: A Communication Perspective,” Swapan expressed appreciation to Turkey for organizing the forum at a time when strategic communication has become central to governance worldwide. He noted that in the modern era, nations are increasingly judged by the credibility, consistency, and transparency of their communication.
Swapan outlined Bangladesh’s ongoing priorities in media and governance reform, emphasizing the need to strengthen democratic institutions, protect media freedom, and develop an independent media regulatory framework. He advocated for a balanced approach to information management, rejecting both censorship and unchecked chaos. “In the digital age, an effective balance is needed between access to information and the free flow of information,” he said, stressing the importance of institutional solutions to address information disorder.
Highlighting the country’s digital transformation and dense population, Swapan pointed out the specific challenges Bangladesh faces in tackling misinformation and disinformation. He emphasized that a coordinated framework at both national and international levels is necessary to address emerging threats effectively.
“Bangladesh seeks to learn from other countries while also contributing its own experiences to enrich global knowledge,” Swapan noted, signaling the nation’s commitment to active participation in global strategic communication initiatives.
The minister also highlighted Bangladesh’s close bilateral ties with Turkey and praised its support on humanitarian issues, particularly regarding the Rohingya crisis. The panel discussion included contributions from Tahsin Ertugruloglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Hamza Almustafa, Syria’s Minister of Information, and Kanat Zhumabayevich Iskakov, First Vice Minister for Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives on global communication challenges.
Concluding his remarks, Swapan reiterated that media independence, institutional strength, and strategic communication form the cornerstone of national resilience in an era of information complexity. He called for continued collaboration among nations to uphold truth, accountability, and transparency in the global information environment.
The STRATCOM 2026 Summit served as a critical forum for dialogue on how countries can strengthen governance, media freedom, and public trust amid rising global uncertainty, with Bangladesh presenting itself as a proactive participant in shaping an informed and stable international order.
