Verified reporting a must to counter polls-time disinformation: Info adviser

Newly appointed Adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (14 December) said media must present truthful and verified information to counter propaganda, disinformation, and misinformation during the election period. 

She emphasised that all concerned must remain vigilant so that misleading information does not influence the election or undermine the democratic process.

The information adviser made these remarks while exchanging views with her ministry officials and heads of departments and agencies under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The meeting was held at the ministry's conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

Rizwana Hasan, also the environment, forest and climate change adviser, said the government expects a media that is independent, strong, and accountable. 

She said while the flow of information should be free, it must also be objective and responsible. 

"The government does not seek to control the media; rather, its objective is for the media to play a constructive role in democratic transition by disseminating accurate and credible information," she said.

Rizwana further said the media has already been playing a significant role in strengthening democratic practice, and this role needs to be carried forward with greater professionalism and responsibility. 

Emphasising the growing influence of digital platforms, she urged journalists and media outlets to maintain caution, ethics, and professionalism in the use of social media.

The information and broadcasting adviser reiterated that the government will stand firmly on the side of accurate information and will provide necessary support to the media in this regard. 
She stressed that building a credible media system must be based 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); Dr 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 also attended the meeting and extended floral greetings to the newly appointed adviser.

Following the meeting, the information adviser responded to questions from media representatives on contemporary issues.