New info adviser calls for verified reporting to counter election disinformation

Newly appointed Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday urged the media to ensure truthful and verified reporting to counter propaganda, disinformation, and misinformation during the election period.

She made the remarks during an exchange meeting with officials, department heads, and agency chiefs under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the ministry’s conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat, said a press release.

The adviser said all stakeholders must remain vigilant so that misleading information does not influence the election process or undermine democracy.

She stressed that the government expects a media sector that is independent, strong, and accountable, adding that while the flow of information should remain free, it must also be objective and responsible.

Rizwana said the government has no intention of controlling the media, but wants it to play a constructive role in the country’s democratic transition by disseminating accurate and credible information.

She noted that the media has already been contributing significantly to strengthening democratic practices and said this role should be carried forward with greater professionalism and responsibility.

Highlighting the growing impact of digital platforms, she urged journalists and media organisations to exercise caution, uphold ethical standards, and maintain professionalism, particularly in the use of social media.

The adviser reiterated that the government will stand firmly in support of accurate information and provide necessary assistance to the media in this regard.

She said a credible media system must be built on three core principles: freedom, accountability, and justice.

The meeting was attended by Mahbuba Farzana, secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Nur Md Mahbubul Haque, additional secretary (administration); Mohammad Altaf-ul-Alam, additional secretary (broadcast and press); along with other senior officials of the ministry.

Heads of various departments and agencies under the ministry were also present and offered floral greetings to the newly appointed adviser.

After the meeting, Rizwana responded to questions from media representatives on contemporary issues.