Digital misinformation a threat to society and state

Media owners and editors in Bangladesh have expressed deep concern over the spread of misinformation and rumours on digital platforms, warning that it poses a serious threat to individuals, society and the state.

The concerns were raised at an event marking World Press Freedom Day, held at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital on Sunday (3 May) afternoon.

The programme was jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council.

Speakers described misinformation on digital platforms as having reached “epidemic proportions” in the country, stressing the need for coordinated efforts by the state, media and the public to address the issue, alongside increased social awareness.

The event was chaired by Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir, with Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon attending as chief guest. It was moderated by the council’s General Secretary and Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

Addressing the gathering, the information minister said the challenges posed by digital platforms were distinct and could not be effectively regulated by the government alone without the cooperation of global technology companies. He noted that the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) had limited capacity in this regard, with shutdowns being its most extreme option.

He added that legal aspects of regulating social media were under review and acknowledged that while Bangladesh was a lucrative market for such platforms, the country lacked specialised institutions capable of negotiating with tech giants. “The conventional government is like a button phone,” he remarked, suggesting the need for better preparedness to understand and address emerging challenges.

The minister also said a media commission was necessary but emphasised that the government did not intend to act as a “guardian”, noting that it too could be a party to wrongdoing. He announced plans to form an advisory committee under the ministry to consult stakeholders on establishing such a commission.

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Nurul Kabir criticised what he described as inconsistent political attitudes towards press freedom, saying parties in power often call for responsible journalism, while in opposition they advocate unrestricted expression. He urged the government to move beyond repeated assurances of consultation and take concrete steps towards ensuring accountability and free flow of information.

NOAB President and Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said misinformation had placed truthful and ethical journalism under threat. He claimed that around 250 instances of misinformation had been spread in Bangladesh on the very day dedicated to press freedom.

Describing misinformation as a nationwide epidemic, he stressed that overcoming the challenge would require a social movement and greater awareness at district and upazila levels. He warned that no one, from the prime minister to the president, was immune from its impact.

The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam emphasised the importance of values-based journalism, noting that the constitution guarantees independence to only two professions—the judiciary and the media—and that neither should face interference.

National Press Club President and Kaler Kantho Editor Hasan Hafiz said Bangladesh had declined in global press freedom rankings and warned that misinformation was not only affecting society but also individuals and the state. He highlighted concerns including character assassination, online bullying of women and rising cybercrime, calling for collective action to tackle the issue.

Other speakers included Inqilab Editor A M M Bahauddin, Samakal Editor Shahed Muhammad Ali, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Dhaka Tribune Editor Riaz Ahmed, Sangbad Executive Editor Shahriar Karim, Acting Editor of Samayer Alo Syed Shahnewaz Karim, Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, and former head of the interim government’s Media Commission Kamal Ahmed, among others.