, Feb. 18 -- Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday pledged to ensure a media environment free from fear in Bangladesh, promising steps to protect journalists.

"I know the mental torment faced by those who live in fear. Especially for professionals in respected fields like journalism, being constantly monitored is extremely stressful. We understand this problem," he told reporters at the Bangladesh Secretariat on his first working day.

The government has all necessary plans to address media issues. "InshAllah, we will create a fear-free media environment (in Bangladesh)," he said.

About the challenge of disinformation, the minister said this has emerged as a new challenge globally. "We have to move forwar...