Misinformation big threat to democracy: Shafiqul Alam
Shafiqul Alam reflected on the long and shifting relationship between the government and the media since 1947, noting that it has alternated between periods of openness and restriction
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has warned that the future of democracy could be in jeopardy if the incoming government fails to effectively combat misinformation and disinformation.
"The government that will run the country should brainstorm about tackling misinformation. Otherwise, failure to address it will lead the country towards political turmoil," he said at a dialogue session titled "Media Freedom: The Issue of Political Commitments in Manifesto", held today (6 November) at the Cirdap Auditorium and organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
Shafiqul Alam reflected on the long and shifting relationship between the government and the media since 1947, noting that it has alternated between periods of openness and restriction.
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"During Ayub Khan's time, there was media freedom, but after 1990, journalists enjoyed the highest freedom under the caretaker government," he said.
"During the Awami League government, journalism reached its lowest point. However, efforts are now being made to recover from that decline under Hasina's leadership," Shafiqul Alam added.
He said there is widespread fear of mobbing now but the current government has no intention of restricting the press. Now, the question is whether this culture will continue under a future political government?
Even those who should know better, including university professors, are now spreading misinformation, he said.
The press secretary pointed out that misinformation has posed significant challenges for the government, particularly false news surrounding Saint Martin's Island and Milestone.
"The amount of false information circulated about Chittagong Port was unimaginable," he said.
Unlike in many other countries where penalties are imposed for spreading misinformation, no such mechanisms exist here, he said.
"False information is being spread daily on 'Talk Shows'. We have urged Meta to take stronger action against misinformation on Facebook, but it remains a long-term process," he added.
