British high commissioner meets information minister

British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cook paid a courtesy call on Information and Broadcasting Minister Andalib Rahman at his office at the ministry on Monday.

During the meeting, Cook congratulated Andalib Rahman on assuming office.

The information minister said the government is committed to ensuring press freedom and has no intention of controlling the media.

He said ensuring journalists’ freedom of expression is important, while protecting people from misinformation and disinformation is also crucial. He stressed the need for effective measures against defamatory and misleading information circulated through the media and various social media platforms.

Sarah Cook emphasised the importance of maintaining ethical standards in journalism alongside ensuring freedom of expression. She highlighted the importance of fact-checking in combating misinformation and disinformation.

She also said there is scope for cooperation between the UK’s Office of Communications (Ofcom) and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in this regard.

The meeting also discussed various issues of mutual interest, including challenges posed by social media, ensuring the accuracy of information and promoting responsible media practices.