Needs for Responsible Journalism and Professional Security Highlighted at DRU 'Meet the Reporters'
Press Secretary Urges Media to Strengthen In-House 'Fact-Checking' to Combat Rumors
- Media houses urged to set up systematic, in-house fact-checking mechanisms to stop misinformation
- Press freedom must balance with accountability; legal boundaries are determined by courts, not government
- DRU leaders demand constitutional recognition, financial security, and two-day weekend for journalists
Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, A A M Saleh Shibli, has urged news organizations to establish systematic, in-house fact-checking mechanisms to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors in the digital era. He made these remarks as the chief guest at the 'Meet the Reporters' event hosted by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday afternoon (September 17).
Addressing the gathering, Saleh Shibli noted that citizens are increasingly verifying news found on social media with mainstream outlets before believing it. "There is no alternative to fact-checking to stop rumors and propaganda. Media houses should take special initiatives on fact-checking to build public awareness and remain responsible," he stated, cautioning the public against misleading information published by unregistered online portals.
Speaking on media freedom, the Press Secretary reiterated that while the government fully supports press freedom, it must not be confused with arbitrary reporting. He remarked that defining the legal boundaries of media freedom rests solely with the judiciary. He also emphasized scrutinizing the financial capacity of media owners to ensure timely salaries and job security for working journalists.
Referring to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's upcoming address at the UN General Assembly, Saleh Shibli highlighted the significance of Bangladesh's presence on the global stage. He affirmed that the government is actively mitigating global economic risks and administrative challenges to present Bangladesh as a stable destination for foreign investment.
Presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, the event brought forward several pressing demands for journalists' welfare. DRU leaders called for establishing a solid legal framework to protect journalists' professional dignity, constitutional recognition of the press as the 'Fourth Estate', dedicated educational and healthcare benefits, and a two-day weekly holiday to ensure work-life balance and mental well-being.
//DBTech/FBL/SME/MIST//
