Information and Broadcasting Minister Jahir Uddin Swapon on Thursday said there is a need for an appropriate authority to determine who qualifies as a journalist.

He made the remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the first meeting of the newly reconstituted Press Accreditation Committee, which also served as the committee's 34th meeting, held at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Swapon urged committee members to ensure that every decision is consistent with the Constitution, existing laws and relevant rules and regulations.

He called on them to exercise foresight and wisdom and adopt an inclusive approach that accommodates the widest possible range of stakeholders while making decisions.

The minister said the committee's decisions should be broadly acceptable and reminded members that they must serve not as representatives of any political party but as members of a government elected by the people, with equal responsibility to all citizens.

Describing the media as a pluralistic sector, he said people with different opinions, perspectives and ideas must be able to coexist.

"Rather than taking narrow or biased decisions, the committee should adopt an inclusive approach that accommodates the largest possible number of people," he said.

"The true capability of political leadership lies in making acceptable and inclusive decisions, even in difficult and sensitive situations," he added.

Swapon said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is one of the state's most politically sensitive ministries, where even a minor mistake can have far-reaching political and social consequences.

He stressed that decisions should be made with careful consideration of their long-term implications rather than focusing solely on immediate outcomes.

"The acceptability of the committee's decisions will depend on the wisdom, experience and foresight of its members," he said.

Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed chaired the meeting.

Secretary (Routine Duty) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Md Shah Alam, senior ministry officials and members of the Press Accreditation Committee also attended.