Accurate, balanced diplomatic reporting can stop misinformation: FS Jashim

Appreciating the role of diplomatic correspondents, Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin today (26 December) said their accurate and balanced reporting can play an important role in preventing the spread of rumours and misinformation.

"As diplomatic correspondents, you are required to verify facts, check sources and report accurately on international relations. Otherwise, bilateral relations may be affected or unnecessary diplomatic tensions may arise," he said after handing over "First-ever DCAB Media Award" at Foreign Service Academy. 

Seeking diplomatic correspondents' attention and sincere cooperation on this important issue, Jashim said the role of media professionals in countering rumours and misinformation is extremely important in this digital age where information spreads around the world instantly.

Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) hosted the event.

Spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Rafiqul Alam, DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib and its General Secretary Ashiqur Rahman Apu also spoke on the occasion.

The Foreign Secretary said the role that the DCAB members play in clarifying complex diplomatic issues in addition to providing government explanations is highly commendable.

"Your contribution to distinguishing between verified information and false claims is invaluable. I express my gratitude to each of you and look forward to closer cooperation in the future," he said.

Jashim said he firmly believes that this long-standing partnership will further strengthen Bangladesh's international relations and play an important role in the progress of the country and the realisation of its collective dreams.

He said it will keep them all united as the country moves towards a prosperous future ensuring "justice, accountability, and democratic values" and stressed that their cooperation and best wishes will always be with the diplomatic correspondents.

He said the government is working to pave the way for building an inclusive future based on justice, human rights and unity.

Amid Bangladesh's growing importance in the world, the Foreign Secretary said more intensive cooperation between the diplomatic community and the media is now the demand of the time.

The media has always played an important role in highlighting the government's initiatives and diplomatic activities to the public, he said.

In particular, the Foreign Secretary said, they are very efficient in presenting complex issues of diplomacy in a simple way and creating awareness about the steps taken by the government.

He said the insightful and timely reports of DCAB members have helped to expand the scope of the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and think about various issues in a new way.

At the same time, he added, DCAB is also playing an important role in ensuring the accountability of the Ministry.

"Your dedication to diplomatic reporting has set new standards. In particular, DCAB is an important partner of this Ministry in disseminating information and creating awareness on foreign affairs," said the Foreign Secretary, congratulating the awardees.

He said diplomatic correspondents' professionalism and dedication are not only helping to inform the people of the country correctly, but are also consolidating the diplomatic position of Bangladesh.

Daily Manabzamin Special Correspondent Mizanur Rahman, Maasranga Tv Senior Reporter Md Mashrequl Islam (Mashreq Rahat) and Dhaka Post Diplomatic Correspondent Md Nazrul Islam received the award in the print, television and online categories respectively in recognition of their contributions to diplomatic reporting and to inspire further professional development.

The foreign secretary appreciated the DCAB initiative and hoped that such initiative would continue in the future.

Members of the jury were Reaz Ahmed, Executive Editor, Dhaka Tribune, Dr Md Saiful Alam Chowdhury, Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communication & Journalism of Dhaka University and journalist Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, Managing Director, Digitally Right.

They considered the following issues while marking the reports - context, novelty and importance of the topic; use of information and sources; language and presentation style; reasoning and structure of the writing and original research conducted by the reporters.