We expect media to be free from rumors and misinformation: Information Minister
We expect the media to be free from rumors and misinformation, as stated by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad A. Arafat. He said that rumors, half-truths do not do any good for democracy, media, government and politics. Said, we want full freedom of media, we want to bring disinformation under accountability. At the end of the day, we want rumor-free media.
He expressed his stance while exchanging views with leaders of the television channel owners' organization ATCO at the secretariat on Thursday, January 25.
The Minister of State for Information said, there should be an opportunity for criticism, we want it. But we want to emphasize that the criticism should be based on correct information.
Arafat said, using social media, there is a kind of exploitation. We have to try to establish institutions and bring order to the proliferation of media in the last 15 years. First of all, we have to be careful, as we want to eliminate misinformation, we want to bring disinformation under accountability, but in doing that freedom of expression, freedom of media should not be overstepped there. But there can be no debate about the country, national flag, national anthem, liberation war and 3 million martyrs. These are anti-national activities.
He also said that the Prime Minister said in the first cabinet meeting that there will be criticism in many cases. Some criticisms are based on accurate information. From there we must try to correct our failures or deviations.
He also said that the Prime Minister is not against criticism. But she wants criticism to be based on correct facts. Sometimes half-truths are more dangerous than false information. But if the audience is based on a partial information without presenting the complete picture, the audience gets confused.
Mohammad A Arafat said, it is desirable that the media brings the government to account and we will respond. At the same time, if there is an attempt to spread misinformation and false information using the media or anything else, we all can bring it to account through a solid structure and we want your cooperation to do that.
He said that, free flow of information, freedom of expression, freedom of media is very important for the sake of democracy and progress. Likewise, misinformation and its proliferation and spread are harmful. Misinformation of any kind does no good to people. No rumor or half-truth is good for democracy; no good for media. It neither benefits the government, nor the politics.
