World Press Freedom Day today

The world is observing World Press Freedom Day on Sunday (May 3), highlighting the importance of media freedom across the globe.

This year’s theme is: “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”

The day is being marked in Bangladesh as well as in other countries through various programmes, with journalists calling for the protection of press freedom and professional rights.

In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has organised a rally to mark the day. The procession began at 9:00am from Officers’ Club premises and ended at the Information Building Complex.

A discussion meeting was also held at the Film and Publication Department conference room at the Information Building Complex in the morning.

The Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon will attend as the chief guest, while State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasir Khan Chowdhury will be present as the special guest.

World Press Freedom Day was first recommended by the 26th General Conference of UNESCO in 1991 and was later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. Since then, it has been observed annually on May 3 worldwide.

On this occasion, media professionals reflect on the principles of press freedom, assess global media independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have faced risks or sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

According to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Bangladesh has slipped three places in the global press freedom index. The country now ranks 152nd out of 180 countries, compared to 149th last year.