The Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Mahfuj Alam, has urged the media to take a firm stand against the spread of rumours and misinformation. He said restoring public trust in the media is essential to prevent confusion and instability in the country.
He made the remarks on Monday in Dhaka while addressing a training workshop titled “Preventing Misreporting and Ensuring Objective Journalism,” organised by the Bangladesh Press Council for members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).
Highlighting the widespread circulation of misinformation, the adviser said many are intentionally spreading deceptions. He noted that misinformation intensified during the previous government’s 15-year tenure.
Referring to recent earthquake-related coverage, he criticised certain media outlets for causing panic rather than raising awareness, calling the trend “unfortunate.”
Mahfuz Alam warned that if the public loses confidence in the media, anyone can mislead the people with any information, creating national disorder. He called on media professionals to regain public trust and ensure responsible coverage ahead of the upcoming national elections.
Describing the Bangladesh Press Council as a quasi-judicial body, he said the previous government rendered it ineffective.
He added “The current interim government is working to revitalise the institution.”
He also reminded journalists that they can seek support from the Press Council to protect their rights and urged the Council to play a stronger role within its legal scope.
The workshop was chaired by Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim.
Information Ministry Secretary Mahbuba Farzana attended as special guest. The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid and Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) President Abu Saleh Akon also spoke at the event.
A total of 50 journalists took part in the training. Certificates were distributed to participants at the end of the programme.
