Accurate information is essential for building a new Bangladesh. Public awareness must be raised against misinformation. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, Climate Change, and Water Resources, made these remarks.
She spoke at a seminar held on Sunday (March 23) afternoon at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB). The seminar was titled “Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation: Challenges, Responsibilities, and the Path Forward for Development.”
The Environment Advisor emphasized that the media’s primary responsibility is to present accurate information. However, in many cases, misleading information is being disseminated, creating confusion in society. She pointed out that some news is published solely to gain views, often overshadowing the actual truth.
She further stated that it is crucial to understand who controls media ownership. Over the past 20-25 years, the structure of the media has changed significantly. To ensure the dissemination of truthful news, these aspects must be considered.
Other speakers at the seminar included Kamal Ahmed, Head of the Media Reform Commission; Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; and Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir from the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University, Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh. The event was presided over by Faruk Wasif, Director General of PIB.
Journalists and media professionals attending the seminar exchanged views on media ethics and challenges in news dissemination. They stressed the importance of ensuring the spread of accurate information.