Dhaka: State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury on Saturday urged journalists to remain vigilant and responsible in countering misinformation, rumours, and AI-generated misleading content circulating on social media. He emphasized the need for journalists to highlight government errors and shortcomings through fact-based reporting rather than smear campaigns or misinformation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the state minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a certificate distribution ceremony following a three-day training workshop on multimedia journalism, fact-checking, and AI for journalists in Hossainpur upazila. He noted the widespread targeting of popular figures in Bangladesh through smear campaigns on social media, which he described as a violation of human rights.
Yasser stressed that the training was aimed not merely at awarding certificates but at enhancing journalists' skills in fact-checking and combating misinformation and disinformation. He acknowledged the critical role journalists play in curbing the spread of misinformation in Bangladesh and highlighted the challenges posed by individuals posing as journalists and spreading false information.
The minister announced that the government is creating opportunities for genuine journalists to receive advanced training, including two-year master's programmes and AI-based journalism courses. A list of genuine journalists will be prepared through press clubs to be included in these training programmes.
Yasser also mentioned the various forms of support being provided to journalists through the Journalist Welfare Trust and a proposal made to the Prime Minister to increase this support, with processes already underway at the Ministry of Finance. He emphasized his commitment to working for the entire country, although he acknowledged a special concern for the people of the surrounding areas.
The state minister stated that the first phase of journalist training programmes had been organised in the Mymensingh Division, Bogura, Feni, and districts surrounding Dhaka, with plans to expand to other parts of the country. He also discussed the government's development goals, cautioning against making unrealistic promises but affirming efforts to make Bangladesh a better and more prosperous nation.
Regarding media freedom, Yasser assured that the freedom currently enjoyed by the media under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman would continue. He urged journalists to play a constructive role in protecting democracy and the interests of the state, warning against the return of fascism that once harmed the country.
In conclusion, the state minister spoke about the phased implementation of government development programmes in Hossainpur and other upazilas of Kishoreganj, reaffirming the government's commitment to progress.