The government will take coordinated steps to expand and enhance fact-checking activities to combat misinformation and disinformation, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Nahid Islam.
He disclosed the matter during a meeting with the Online Editors Alliance at the ministry’s conference room today (January 21).
Executive committee members of the alliance, led by its president Hasan Sharif, attended the event.
Adviser Md. Nahid Islam said: "Misinformation has become a major challenge, and the media plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of information. While fact-checking mechanisms exist, they often fail to reach the public effectively."
He urged the media to take a more active and responsible role in verifying information to prevent the spread of falsehoods.
He also said that the government does not require propaganda cells, as the media serves as the most effective platform for disseminating accurate information.
The Online Editors Alliance proposed collaborating with the government on fact-checking initiatives.
In response, Nahid Islam assured that the government would take coordinated measures to make these efforts more widespread and effective.
He encouraged the alliance to submit a formal proposal for further action.
During the meeting, alliance leaders discussed the role of online media in fact-checking and the need for policy reforms.
Palash Mahmud, Online Editor of Daily Kalbela and Organizing Secretary of the Alliance, said that online platforms are the first to publish breaking news, making them pivotal in ensuring accuracy before print and TV coverage.
M A H M Kabir Ahmad of RTV Digital and Social Media Head, suggested creating an AI-generated content policy to regulate misinformation.
General Secretary of the alliance and Bhorer Kagoj Online Head Mizanur Rahman Sohel called for media policy reforms, digital wage board inclusion, and government ad placements on online platforms.
Banglanews24.com Editor and Alliance Vice President Lutfor Rahman Himel compared the role of journalists to that of doctors, saying that doctors provide healthcare while journalists deliver information services.
He emphasized that digital platforms now dominate the media landscape in fulfilling this role. However, the spread of fake news on these platforms has become a serious concern, with the government often being the primary target, he added.
Lutfor Rahman Himel reaffirmed that the Online Editors Alliance is committed to supporting the government, which has taken office with a pledge for reform.
He further said; "Combating misinformation is not solely the responsibility of online media professionals; readers must also be well-informed. Without sufficient awareness, individuals can unknowingly engage with and spread false news on social media."
He pointed out that many exploit the internet as a tool for creating chaos, with the rise of dubious news portals contributing to the problem.
He urged both the government and the public to remain vigilant.
According to him, the more informed and discerning the readership, the more effectively online media can serve its purpose.
He said that rooting out purveyors of fake news would lead to a more reliable flow of information, ultimately benefiting families, society, and the nation. "Information is power," he concluded, "but false information is a dangerous poison."
Hasan Sharif, President of the Online Editors Alliance, underscored the importance of verifying information before publication to prevent public misconceptions.
The Online Editors Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible journalism and fact-checking. Members pledged to work closely with the government to ensure credible news dissemination and combat digital misinformation.
Jagonews24.com Acting Editor KM Zeaul Haque, DBC Television Digital Head Kamrul Islam Rubel, Daily Ittefaq Online Head Sharafat Hussain, Amader Shomoy Online Head Moin Bakul, Deepto TV Online Head Masud Bin Abdur Razzak, and other senior media professionals, attended the meeting.
BDST: 1946 HRS, JAN 21, 2025
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