Media Should Be Vocal Against Disinformation, Yeaser Urges

Bangladesh’s State Minister Calls for Media Vigilance Against Digital Misinformation

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury has issued a strong call to action for media organizations to combat the rising threat of disinformation in Bangladesh’s digital landscape. Speaking at the 12th anniversary celebration of Channel i Online, the minister emphasized the critical responsibility media outlets have in maintaining information integrity in an increasingly connected society.

“The spread of false information can pose serious risks not only to the state but also to individuals and institutions,” Choudhury warned during the event, held at Channel i’s headquarters in Dhaka. The anniversary program, themed “Journalism in the Age of Algorithms,” brought together prominent media figures and academics to discuss the evolving challenges facing journalism in the digital era.

The minister highlighted how the accelerating flow of information online requires heightened vigilance. “At present, the flow of information online is very high. But we must remain vigilant so that this opportunity is not misused to spread misinformation. Especially on online media platforms, awareness and preventive measures are crucial,” he stated.

Drawing on his 16 years of experience at the BBC, Choudhury provided insight into the complexities of digital transformation in the media sector. “Digitalization does not simply mean going online. It is a costly process that depends heavily on technical expertise,” he explained. The minister revealed that the government is actively working to modernize Bangladesh’s media landscape to meet international standards through ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders.

The government’s commitment to press independence was another key point in Choudhury’s address. “We firmly believe in the freedom of the press. To strengthen democracy, newspapers, electronic, and digital media have been given the opportunity to operate independently. Maintaining this is one of our government’s key commitments,” he assured attendees.

The timing of these remarks comes amid growing global concerns about the impact of algorithmic content distribution and artificial intelligence on information ecosystems. Bangladesh, like many developing nations, has seen rapid digital adoption in recent years, with over 120 million internet users as of early 2026, according to recent telecommunications data. This digital expansion has created new challenges for information verification and media literacy.

Media experts present at the event, including poet and academic Afroza Soma, journalist Shawkat Hossain Masum, and Dhaka University scholar Dr. Imran Hossain, contributed to discussions on these pressing issues. Zahid Newaz Khan, Editor of Channel i Online and Chief Executive Editor of Channel i, presented the keynote address highlighting the organization’s commitment to journalistic integrity, reflected in this year’s anniversary slogan: “Fearless, Free, Courageous.”

The celebration included an award ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions to journalism, followed by a ceremonial cake-cutting with the State Minister and distinguished guests.

Channel i, established in 1999, has grown to become one of Bangladesh’s leading media organizations. Its online division, launched in 2014, has expanded its digital footprint significantly over the past decade, reaching millions of Bangladeshis both domestically and abroad.

Media analysts note that the minister’s comments reflect a growing recognition within the government of both the opportunities and challenges presented by digital media. The administration has been working to update regulatory frameworks to address new technologies while balancing concerns about free expression with the need to combat harmful misinformation.

As Bangladesh continues its digital transformation, the relationship between government, media organizations, and technology platforms will likely remain at the forefront of public discourse, with events like this highlighting the ongoing dialogue about responsible journalism in the algorithmic age.