Dhaka: Accurate information is crucial for building a new Bangladesh and public awareness must be created against misinformation, Environment, Forest, Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today. She made the remarks while speaking at a seminar held at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) here this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rizwana addressed the seminar titled “Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation: Challenges, Responsibilities and the Path Forward for Development.” She emphasized that the media’s primary responsibility is to present accurate information. However, she noted that in many cases, misleading information is being disseminated, creating confusion in society. She pointed out that some news is published solely to gain views, often overshadowing the actual truth.
Rizwana highlighted the importance of understanding who controls media ownership. She stated, “Over the past 20-25 years, the structure of the media has changed significantly. To ensure the dissemination of truthful news, these aspects must be considered.”
The seminar also featured other speakers, including Kamal Ahmed, chief of the Media Reform Commission; Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir from the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University; and Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh. The event was chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif.
Journalists and media professionals attending the seminar exchanged views on media ethics and challenges in news dissemination. They stressed the importance of ensuring the spread of accurate information.