Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman: Zero Tolerance for Disinformation-Based Photo Cards

Bangladesh Government Tightens Media Oversight to Combat Disinformation

The Bangladesh government is taking a hardline stance against the spread of misinformation in the country’s media landscape, according to Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman. During a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Rahman made it clear that false or misleading content would face serious consequences.

“We will take a strong stance on this. We will not allow disinformation-based photo cards from the media,” Rahman told reporters, signaling the administration’s commitment to combating fake news and misleading information that has increasingly plagued both traditional and social media platforms in the country.

The adviser emphasized that the current government would maintain rigorous oversight on media content and indicated that investigations into past incidents of disinformation would be pursued. “Since this government is strict on this matter, it will remain strict. I believe this trend will decrease. Investigating past incidents, identifying those responsible, and ensuring punishment will be part of the process,” he stated.

Rahman’s comments come amid growing concerns about the impact of disinformation on Bangladesh’s political climate and social cohesion. The South Asian nation has experienced significant political turbulence in recent months, with media playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion.

Addressing another pressing national security concern, Rahman spoke about the state of militancy in Bangladesh, noting that public discourse has become polarized between two extreme viewpoints. “One view is that Bangladesh is full of militants, while the other denies their existence entirely. We believe both are incorrect,” he explained.

The adviser offered a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging that while militancy isn’t pervasive throughout the country, it remains a real concern that requires vigilance. “There is a tendency of militancy, and some individuals are involved. At times, such elements try to become more active, and we will work to control that,” Rahman clarified.

Bangladesh has faced several high-profile militant attacks over the past decade, including the 2016 Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka that killed 22 people. Since then, security forces have conducted numerous anti-militancy operations, but concerns about extremist ideology and recruitment persist.

During the briefing, Rahman also addressed recent public health concerns, particularly regarding issues related to measles vaccination campaigns. When pressed by journalists about accountability for health-related incidents, the adviser affirmed that negligence would be thoroughly investigated.

“I agree in principle that those whose negligence led to this incident should be held accountable,” Rahman stated, though he did not specify which particular vaccination incidents were under scrutiny.

Public health experts have recently raised concerns about measles outbreaks in certain regions of Bangladesh, with questions about the efficacy of vaccination drives and possible lapses in the cold chain management of vaccines.

Media analysts note that Rahman’s statements reflect the government’s broader agenda to establish greater control over information flows while addressing security and health challenges simultaneously. The administration appears to be walking a fine line between legitimate concerns about harmful disinformation and potential restrictions on press freedom, which has been a contentious issue in Bangladesh’s democratic development.

The government’s approach to media regulation will likely be closely watched by international press freedom organizations and diplomatic missions in Dhaka, particularly as the country works to strengthen its democratic institutions and address complex security challenges.