Media Must Actively Combat Rumors and Misinformation, Says Mahfuj

Bangladesh’s Information Adviser Calls for Media Vigilance Against Misinformation

In a pointed address to journalists, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam emphasized the critical role of mass media in combating rumors and misinformation that have increasingly plagued Bangladesh’s information landscape.

Speaking at a workshop hosted by the Bangladesh Press Council on Sunday, Alam stressed the urgent need to restore public trust in media institutions. “If people do not have trust in the media, anyone will mislead the public with false information, creating chaos in the country,” he warned during the event focused on preventing poor journalism practices and promoting objective news reporting.

The workshop, attended by 50 journalists from various media outlets, brought together members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in what appears to be part of a broader initiative to strengthen journalistic standards ahead of upcoming national elections.

Alam pointed to what he described as a deterioration in information integrity during the previous government’s 15-year tenure. “Rumors and misinformation are being spread knowingly. The prevalence of misinformation intensified during the previous government’s rule,” he stated, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem.

The adviser cited recent earthquake coverage as an example of irresponsible reporting, noting that “some media outlets have spread panic instead of raising public awareness about the earthquake,” a development he described as “sad” given the media’s responsibility to inform rather than alarm the public.

In what appeared to be a signal of reform intentions, Alam addressed the status of the Bangladesh Press Council itself, describing it as a “quasi-judicial institution” that had been rendered “ineffective” by the previous administration. He announced that the current interim government is taking steps to reinvigorate the council, encouraging journalists to approach the body “from the place of rights.”

The Press Council workshop reflects growing concern about information integrity in Bangladesh’s media environment, which has faced criticism from press freedom advocates over the past decade. The country ranked 165th out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2023 Press Freedom Index, highlighting the challenges faced by independent journalism in the nation.

As Bangladesh approaches its next electoral cycle, Alam explicitly called on media organizations to “play a responsible role during the next national elections,” suggesting official recognition of media’s influence on democratic processes.

The event was presided over by Justice AKM Abdul Hakim, Chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council, with Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana attending as a special guest. Other notable participants included Shamsul Haque Zahid, Editor of the daily Financial Express, and Abu Saleh Akon, President of the DRU.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participating journalists received certificates acknowledging their participation in this professional development initiative.

The government’s focus on media responsibility comes at a time when digital misinformation presents growing challenges to information ecosystems worldwide, with social media platforms often serving as vectors for unchecked rumors. Bangladesh, with its rapidly growing internet penetration and social media usage, faces particular vulnerability to such dynamics, especially during politically sensitive periods like elections or natural disasters.