Government to Take Strong Stance Against Misinformation, Says Adviser Zahed

Bangladesh’s Information Adviser Vows Crackdown on Media Misinformation

Bangladesh’s government plans to take stringent measures against misinformation and disinformation circulating in media outlets, according to Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, who addressed journalists during a press conference at the Press Information Department on Tuesday.

The announcement comes following an incident where a prominent national newspaper misrepresented Dr. Rahman’s statements about canal excavation projects in the country. He explained that the government’s canal development program encompasses 1,260 kilometers of waterways, with 561 kilometers already excavated—representing about 44.55 percent completion.

“This means nearly half of the canals under the program have been completed,” Dr. Rahman clarified. “However, a photocard was created claiming that I said half of the country’s canals have already been excavated. This was not done by an anonymous source but by a well-known national daily.”

Independent fact-checkers have since identified the claim as disinformation, prompting the adviser to emphasize the government’s intolerance for such practices. “We must be serious about misinformation and disinformation. The government will not tolerate this—from any side,” he stated firmly, highlighting the significant distinction between individual misstatements and institutional misinformation.

Bangladesh has been struggling with management of its vast network of canals and waterways, which are vital for irrigation, flood control, and transportation in the low-lying nation. The canal excavation program represents a significant infrastructure investment aimed at improving water management across the country, particularly relevant as Bangladesh faces increasing challenges from climate change and seasonal flooding.

The adviser’s comments reflect growing concern worldwide about media integrity and the spread of false information. In Bangladesh, where media plays a crucial role in public discourse, the government appears determined to maintain standards of journalistic accuracy.

While adopting a firm stance against misinformation, Dr. Rahman emphasized that the government remains open to legitimate criticism. “There are many areas where the government can be criticized. Bangladesh is a large and complex country. Even with maximum effort, there will be shortcomings. Genuine criticism is welcome,” he noted.

The adviser explicitly encouraged journalists to maintain professional standards, saying, “I request you to ensure that journalism remains journalism,” and expressed the government’s commitment to media accountability.

“I want to see more criticism of the government in the media—logical and constructive criticism that makes the environment vibrant. But please, no misinformation or disinformation,” Dr. Rahman added.

This development comes at a time when Bangladesh’s interim government, formed following political upheaval earlier this year, is working to establish its credibility and navigate complex economic and social challenges. Media regulation has historically been a sensitive issue in the country, with press freedom advocates often raising concerns about government restrictions on reporting.

The adviser’s comments suggest the government is attempting to strike a balance between combating false information and maintaining space for legitimate media criticism—a delicate equilibrium that will likely be closely watched by journalists, rights groups, and international observers in the coming months.

The interim government has pledged transparency in its operations, with Dr. Rahman reiterating that the administration “wants to remain accountable to the media until the last day of its tenure.” How this accountability will be balanced against the promised crackdown on perceived misinformation remains to be seen.