Sylhet: Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar today called upon the mainstream media to play an effective role in curbing rumours spread through social media. He emphasized the significant challenges that print and electronic media are confronting in the current era of information technology.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ali Imam highlighted the issue of 'un-edited' information often being disseminated via social media, which can create confusion among the public. Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the new committee of Sylhet Press Club at its Aminur Rashid Chowdhury auditorium, he pointed out the lack of accountability for information spread through social media. He urged mainstream media to maintain a strong presence on digital platforms to provide accurate information to the masses.
Ali Imam stressed the importance of achieving credibility so that people can rely on mainstream portals to verify the authenticity of information after encountering breaking news. He expressed concern over the current standard and ethics of journalism, noting a degradation similar to other sectors. He encouraged professional journalists to overcome this crisis by acting responsibly and working impartially for the country and common people.
The event, chaired by Sylhet Press Club president Muktabis-un-Noor, also featured addresses by BNP Joint Secretary General (International) Humayun Kabir, Jamaat-e-Islami Central Assistant Secretary General Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, Sylhet Additional Divisional Commissioner (Revenue) Mohammad Mohsin Uddin, and former president of Bangladesh Caterers Association in the UK Pasha Khandaker. The club's General Secretary Mohammad Sirajul Islam moderated the event.
Humayun Kabir emphasized the importance of independent and neutral media for building a healthy society, noting the harassment people face due to fake news and misinformation. Zubair described journalism as the fourth pillar of the state and urged vigilance to prevent the return of fascism, asserting that proper journalistic work is crucial for the country's progress.