Information Officers Urged to Take Firm Stand Against Rumors and Disinformation, Says Information Secretary

Information officials across Bangladesh have been called upon to take a strong stance against the spread of misinformation as digital threats evolve and intensify, particularly during election periods.

In a forceful address to information officers, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana emphasized the critical importance of professionalism and unwavering integrity in combating rumors, disinformation, and emerging technologies like deepfakes.

“The responsibility of information officers to ensure the accuracy and objectivity of information flow in the country has increased manifold,” Farjana stated during her speech at the inauguration of the 42nd Professional Entry Course of Bangladesh Civil Service (Information) held at the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMCO) in Dhaka on Saturday.

Her remarks come at a time when Bangladesh, like many nations globally, faces growing challenges from sophisticated misinformation campaigns that can potentially destabilize democratic processes. The Secretary highlighted that information officers must work in close coordination with district administrations to prevent the spread of rumors and propaganda, especially as the country prepares for upcoming electoral cycles.

“Misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and deepfakes must be dealt with firmly and efficiently,” Farjana insisted, underscoring the heightened responsibility of information officers during politically sensitive periods. She expressed particular concern about deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create convincing but fabricated content that can be difficult for the public to distinguish from authentic material.

The three-month professional entry course is designed to equip information officers with the necessary skills to navigate these modern communication challenges. Twenty-two officials from various departments under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting—including the Department of Films and Publications, Department of Mass Communication, and Press Information Department (PID)—are participating in the comprehensive training program.

NIMCO Director General Muhammad Hiruzzaman, who presided over the inauguration ceremony, reinforced the importance of the training in preparing officers for their crucial role in Bangladesh’s information ecosystem.

The government’s focus on combating disinformation reflects broader regional and global concerns about the impact of false information on social cohesion and democratic processes. In recent years, South Asian nations have experienced several incidents where misinformation spread through social media platforms led to public unrest and violence.

Media experts note that Bangladesh’s approach to tackling disinformation involves both technological solutions and human expertise. Information officers serve as the frontline defense in identifying and countering false narratives before they gain traction in communities.

The training program at NIMCO is expected to cover advanced fact-checking methodologies, digital forensics to detect manipulated media, crisis communication strategies, and ethical frameworks for information dissemination. These skills are increasingly essential as the line between authentic and manufactured content continues to blur in the digital landscape.

Secretary Farjana’s call for uncompromising action against disinformation also reflects the government’s recognition that public trust in institutions is closely linked to the quality and reliability of information available to citizens.

As the country moves toward future electoral cycles, the role of trained information officers will be pivotal in maintaining the integrity of public discourse and ensuring citizens can make decisions based on accurate information rather than manipulated content designed to mislead or inflame tensions.

The initiative represents a significant investment in strengthening Bangladesh’s institutional capacity to promote information integrity in an increasingly complex media environment.