The media in Bangladesh faces not only political and government influence but also the constraints imposed by advertising revenue and the interests of corporate and trade groups.

Consequently, even with governmental freedom, the media often struggles to act independently, speakers said at the launch of the “Development Media Forum” on Sunday.

The speakers emphasized the need for the media to develop the capacity to ask tougher questions as the country progresses toward building a new Bangladesh.

They called for holding the influential and powerful accountable, including interim governments.

The forum was launched at an event organized by Oxfam in Bangladesh at a hotel in Dhaka, attended by hundreds of journalists, development workers, and academicians.

Discussions revolved around Bangladesh’s development trajectory, the media landscape, and the future role of journalism in the country.

In his keynote address, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said: “For Bangladesh, addressing challenges related to the environment, disasters, and climate change is critical. The media must ask important questions, especially concerning developmental projects. Are they environmentally sustainable? Do they uphold human rights? These are the pressing issues journalism should focus on.”

Faruq Wasif, director general of PIB, highlighted how development journalism has historically served as a propaganda tool under authoritarian regimes.

“In the past, development journalism merely championed infrastructure projects and autocratic rulers. Now, the focus must shift to assessing whether these projects improve the lives of ordinary citizens. If the forum achieves this, it will be a remarkable success,” he said.

Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Linus Ragnar Weeks expressed Sweden’s continued support for developing media capacity in Bangladesh.

“This forum represents an important opportunity to enhance journalism as a whole, including building capacities and creating better working environments for journalists,” he said.

Oxfam Country Director Ashish Damle pointed out how journalism today is entangled in a global “war on information.”

He noted: “Media, both in Bangladesh and globally, faces significant technological, commercial, and political pressures. Yet, the fundamental role of information as power remains critical to societal progress.”

A presentation by Saiful Alam Chowdhury, associate professor at Dhaka University’s Mass Communication and Journalism Department, outlined global trends in media freedom.

He observed that private-sector media in many countries often prioritizes corporate interests over independent journalism, despite being free from government control.

A discussion on “Bangladesh’s Development Journey: Role and Future of Media” featured prominent panellists including Talat Mamun, executive director of Channel 24; Reaz Ahmad, executive editor of Dhaka Tribune; Professor Sumon Rahman, head of Media Studies and Journalism at ULAB; Akbar Hossain, press minister at the Bangladesh High Commission in London; Mubin S Khan, deputy editor of The Business Standard; and Mohammad Akmal Shareef, country director of Action Against Hunger (ACF).

Sariful Islam, head of Communication Advocacy at Oxfam in Bangladesh, moderated the event.