Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today emphasized that ensuring people's right to information remains one of the top priorities of the incumbent government, alongside protecting citizens from misinformation and disinformation. "However, apart from ensuring free flow of information, it is equally important to protect the people by preventing the spread of misinformation and disinformation," he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks during a view-exchange meeting with members of the core group of the Right to Information Forum at the ministry's meeting room at the Secretariat this morning. Speaking as the chief guest, he explained the specific reasons behind the suspension of the Right to Information (Amendment) Ordinance in the Jatiya Sangsad.
Swapon highlighted that the spread of misinformation has increased alongside the free flow of information. He stressed that ensuring the flow of information must be accompanied by serious consideration of its accountability. He noted that merely expanding access to information would not be sufficient and emphasized that an effective law should be formulated by incorporating the opinions and recommendations of experienced stakeholders in the Right to Information Act.
He remarked, "The more information, the more truth - for this reason, it is very important to ensure the free flow of information. To this end, we also have to decide how to protect the institutional character of the Information Commission."
The minister called for constructive recommendations from participants for amending the Right to Information Act and underscored the need for fact-checking and screening of information. He assured that the concerned authorities would involve all stakeholders in the law-making process.
The meeting was attended by State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury as a special guest. Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJAN) Secretary Dr Badiul Alam Majumder, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, and MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman Mukur also spoke at the event. They presented various reform proposals aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of the Right to Information Act and ensuring the free flow of information.