Media must restore public trust: Mahfuj

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam has said that the media must take a firm stand against rumors and misinformation while also working to rebuild public trust.

He emphasised that media professionals have a crucial responsibility in this regard.

He made the remarks on Monday while speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a training workshop titled “Preventing Misreporting and Ensuring Objective Journalism,” organised for members of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) at the Bangladesh Press Council auditorium.

The event was presided over by Press Council Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim.

Also speaking at the programme were Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Press Council and Media Reform Commission member Shamsul Haque Zahid, Press Council Secretary (Deputy Secretary) Md Abdus Sabur, and DRU President Abu Saleh Akon.

In his address, Mahfuj said, “If the public loses trust in the media, anyone can spread misinformation and mislead people, creating chaos in the country. Therefore, restoring trust in the media is essential. We expect responsible journalism, especially during the upcoming national elections.”

Highlighting the surge of misinformation, the adviser said, “Rumours and disinformation are being spread deliberately. The prevalence of misinformation intensified during the previous government’s 15-year tenure.”

He also criticised portions of the media for spreading panic instead of raising awareness about recent earthquakes.

“Some media outlets created panic rather than educating people about safety measures. This is unfortunate,” he said.

Discussing the Press Council’s role, Mahfuj noted that it is a quasi-judicial institution, but the previous government had rendered it ineffective.

The current interim government, he said, is taking steps to strengthen the council.

“Journalists have the right to seek redress through the Press Council, and the institution must play a stronger role within existing laws,” he added.

A total of 50 journalists participated in the training programme. At the end of the workshop, certificates were distributed among the participants.