Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stressed the importance of fact-checking before publishing any news, warning against the spread of speculation.
Speaking at a view-exchange meeting with journalists at Pabna Press Club on Friday evening, the minister highlighted the rise of unverified information on social media platforms, including YouTube, which often leads to public confusion.
“Publishing news based on assumptions without proper fact-checking is unacceptable,” he said.
“Accurate information must be verified before release to ensure clarity and trust.”
The minister also praised Pabna Press Club for its historic legacy and the spirit of camaraderie among its members, noting that it could serve as a model nationwide.
He revealed that the government is working to establish a press club in every district to strengthen the media community.
He also mentioned that the BNP government had already begun efforts to develop the media sector with utmost importance and highlighted that the current administration welcomes constructive criticism from the press and takes action accordingly.
The event was chaired by Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akter and attended by several dignitaries, including Pabna Sadar MP Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul, BNP district convenor Habibur Rahman, former press club presidents Shibjit Nag abd ABM Fazlur Rahman, legal professionals, and journalists.
The session was moderated by Literary and Cultural Secretary of Pabna Press Club, Yad Ali Mridha Pavel.
Earlier on Friday, information minister inaugurated the eight-day Pabna Book Fair at Swadhinata Chattor.
He announced that discussions have begun with stakeholders to ensure accountable freedom of the media and revealed that a list recording media personnel persecuted during the fascist era is being compiled.
The book fair inauguration ceremony featured keynote speeches by MP Shamsur Rahman Shimul and other notable guests, including representatives from the BNP and the Book Fair Celebration Committee.
