While addressing a Seminar titled "Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation: Challenges, Responsibilities and the Path Forward for Development" held at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) on Sunday - Environment, Forest, Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said - Accurate information is crucial for building a new Bangladesh and public awareness must be created against misinformation.
We are in full agreement with the adviser's statement.
However, her statement comes at a complex time when misinformation and disinformation about Bangladesh's political situation and internal affairs have flooded national and international media outlets. Thus, we consider her speech valuable in terms of, disseminating accurate information and at the same time refrain from being misled, misguided by premeditated disinformation campaigns impeding nation building.
The adviser also underscored the need for understanding controlling media ownership. This is an important aspect, since over the last 20-25 years our media scape has changed significantly. In order to ensure dissemination of accurate news this is an important aspect.
However, following the post 5 August political changes, far too many disinformation has tarnished the country's global image coupled with creating confusion in society.Number of political and security news have been published solely to gain views, often overshadowing the actual truth. This have also resulted in creating a division in national unity.
During the past 8 months national and international political actors, extremist groups, cyber criminals and foreign entities have often exploited mainstream and social media channels to manipulate public opinion, polarize our communities, so to promote their sinister agendas. In addition, in recent weeks the Interim Government and our army have been specifically targeted by a number of Indian media outlets.
One of the manifested deadliest consequences of these types of misinformation and disinformation have already triggered widespread violence and unrest. False rumors about religious or ethnic minorities, political opponents and contentious issues have frequently escalated tensions resulting in communal clashes. Moreover, in a country such as ours, where access to reliable information is limited, disinformation has already significantly distorted perceptions of reality, making it difficult for citizens to make correct decisions.
The point, however, the country is now going through a critical transitional period in restoring democracy. And in today's digital age, rampant spreading of misinformation and disinformation has ominously appeared as a major challenge to global democracy. Nowhere is this more evident than in today's Bangladesh, where indiscriminate circulation of false narratives and vindictive propaganda is undermining the democratic process while eroding public trust in institutions.
Ranging from social media platforms to sensationalist news outlets, indiscriminate spread of misinformation is hampering democratic transition in Bangladesh while undermining our progress towards a more open and pluralistic society.
Now is the time to launch a countrywide campaign highlighting on the necessity of circulating accurate information.
