Media must act responsibly to restore public trust, prevent election-time violence: Mahfuj
“The information ministry will ensure whatever support the media requires, including policy assistance, to carry out its responsibilities,” he said.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam has called on the media to play a responsible role until the transfer of power to the next elected government, expected by late February or early March, to help prevent election-time violence.
"Irresponsible reporting could erode public trust even under the next government," he said at a views exchange meeting on the media's role before, during, and after elections with editors, publishers, and journalists at the Department of Films and Publications' auditorium today (7 September).
The adviser assured that the government is committed to holding a free and fair election, adding, "The information ministry will ensure whatever support the media requires, including policy assistance, to carry out its responsibilities."
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Journalists at the event urged the government to guarantee reporters' safety, amend the Election Commission's Representation of the People Order (RPO), and establish fact-checking mechanisms to counter AI-driven misinformation and rumours.
They also demanded free flow of information to prevent rumours and proposed forming a joint committee with journalist organisations to define guidelines for responsible election coverage.
Regarding the election environment, journalists expressed their concerns, claiming that supporters of the fascist Awami League are still present in various media outlets.
They said moreover, considering the law-and-order situation, it seems that mob violence may increase during the election period and there are divisions among political parties regarding the proportional representation (PR) system, and illegal weapons have yet to be recovered.
The adviser also said the government, in collaboration with the ICT Division, will soon introduce a policy for online news portals to ensure accountability, while each newsroom should establish its own fact-checking systems.
On the RPO, he noted that the information ministry was not consulted. "If the RPO restricts journalists' free access to information, it will be amended through discussion," Mahfuj assured.
