Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana today urged officials and employees of the Press Information Department (PID) to increase their presence on social media and digital platforms to effectively combat misinformation and rumors. PID, as the main driving force behind promoting state policies, development programs, and achievements, is tasked with continuing this responsibility with dedication and professionalism, she emphasized.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the secretary made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at a discussion and view-exchange meeting held at the PID conference room. The event was organized to enhance the visibility of the department's activities. Principal Information Officer Md. Nizamul Kabir chaired the meeting.
Mahbuba Farjana underscored the critical role of PID in disseminating government programs to the public, stating that those who convey accurate government messages are the primary driving force. She highlighted the necessity of being active on digital and social media platforms, calling it a demand of the time.
She further addressed the rapid spread of misinformation and rumors, urging officials to act as a skilled force against these challenges. "The Ministry of Information's work, the government's policy decisions, and development activities must be quickly disseminated through social media," she insisted.
The information secretary encouraged the officials by pointing out their superior qualifications compared to those spreading misinformation, who are often uneducated or unaware of government work. She stressed that it is not enough to present statistics alone; real changes in people's lives must also be highlighted.
Emphasizing the use of multimedia content, short videos, live coverage, and timely storytelling techniques, Mahbuba Farjana urged young officials to improve the quality of publicity and promotion. She called for vivid portrayals of government successes in every news item.
In conclusion, she remarked on the importance of truthful reporting, stating, "News is not just information, it is the foundation of trust. We want to build a country free from discrimination by fostering trust through information."