Food and Land Adviser Ali Imam Majumdar on Saturday called on the mainstream media to play a more effective role in curbing rumours spread through social media.
He noted that in the current era of information technology, print and electronic media face significant challenges.
“Especially through social media, unedited information is often circulated, which creates confusion among the public,” Ali Imam said while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the new committee of Sylhet Press Club at its Aminur Rashid Chowdhury auditorium.
He emphasised that there is little accountability for information shared on social media and urged mainstream media to maintain a strong presence on digital platforms to provide accurate information to the public.
“We need to build credibility so that people turn to mainstream outlets to verify the authenticity of information after seeing breaking news,” he said.
Expressing concern over standards and ethics in journalism, the adviser said the sector, like others, is experiencing a decline. He added that professional journalists can overcome this crisis through responsible reporting and urged them to work impartially in the interest of the country and ordinary citizens.
The event, chaired by Sylhet Press Club president Muktabis-un-Noor, was also addressed 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 the Bangladesh Caterers Association in the UK, Pasha Khandaker.
The ceremony was moderated by the club’s General Secretary, Mohammad Sirajul Islam.
Humayun Kabir said, “Independent and neutral media is crucial for building a healthy society. However, people are currently being misled and harassed in various ways due to fake news and misinformation.”
Zubair described journalism as the fourth pillar of the state, adding, “If journalists perform their duties properly, the country will progress. Everyone must remain vigilant to ensure fascism does not return.”
