District Dynamics: Information Offices Urged to Combat Misinformation Locally
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuz Alam emphasized the need for district-level information offices to actively counter local misinformation and disinformation. He also underscored their responsibility in promoting issues of local importance. He made these remarks on Tuesday, April 22, during a Focus Group Discussion organized by the Department of Mass Communication at the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Highlighting the potential of district information offices in raising public awareness, Mahfuz Alam stated, “District information officers must implement outreach programs in coordination with district administrations, local journalists, and influential community leaders.” Stressing the need to accelerate the construction of District Information Complexes, he added, “These complexes will play a vital role in information preservation and dissemination.” He further noted that district information officers are instrumental in ensuring the free flow of information and called upon the authorities concerned to provide them with modern, relevant training.
During the session, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Mahbuba Farzana, also called for stronger communication between district information officers and local media professionals. She urged the officials to take a proactive and responsible role in countering rumors and false information.
Director General of the Department of Mass Communication, Faizul Haque, remarked that district information offices under his department are already playing an effective role in broadcasting key public messages. He also appealed for the supply of cinema vans equipped with digital displays to enhance outreach activities. Additionally, he proposed the establishment of divisional and upazila-level information offices.
The discussion covered strategies for improving outreach quality, frameworks for district-level misinformation prevention, modernization of communication methods, and capacity building for the Department of Mass Communication.
Participants at the event included Chief Information Officer Md. Nizamul Kabir, Director General of the Department of Films and Publications Khaleda Begum, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Muhammad Abdullah, Managing Director of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha Mahbub Morshed, Director of the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education Prof. Md. Abed Nomani, former Secretary Syed Shuja Uddin Ahmed, former Director General of the Department of Mass Communication Md. Abdul Mannan, and former Additional Secretary Abu Abdullah, among other officials from various government bodies.
