Govt. Formulates Fact-Checking Framework to Combat Fake News

The government has announced plans to expand and enhance fact-checking initiatives to identify misinformation and disinformation, which have become significant challenges in the modern era. This decision was shared on Tuesday, January 21, during a discussion meeting between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Online Editors Alliance at the ministry’s conference room. Advisor to the Ministry, Md. Nahid Islam, led the session, with the alliance’s President, Hasan Sharif, and its executive committee members in attendance.

In the meeting, the advisor emphasized, “The media plays a crucial role in promoting truth and accurate information. While the fact-checking process is effective, it does not always reach the public adequately. Therefore, the media must play a more active and responsible role in ensuring the verification of information to avoid spreading misinformation. Media organizations must also remain vigilant to prevent being victims of misleading content.”

He added, “Unlike political governments, we do not require a propaganda cell. The media itself is the most powerful and effective platform for disseminating government information.”

The Online Editors Alliance proposed collaborating with the government to streamline fact-checking activities. Responding to the suggestion, the advisor stated that the government would take coordinated initiatives to make fact-checking processes broader and more effective. He invited the alliance to submit a proposal, which would be reviewed for actionable steps toward implementation.

Palash Mahmud, the Organizing Secretary of the alliance and Online Editor of Daily Kalbela, noted, “When any incident occurs, news is first published by online media. It is from online platforms that news is subsequently picked up by print and television outlets. This positions online platforms as the most influential players in the news ecosystem. The Online Editors Alliance will ensure fact-checking before any news is published.”

MAHM Kabir Ahmed, Joint General Secretary and Digital & Social Media Head of RTV, suggested, “To support the fact-checking process, a policy framework on AI-generated images and content can be developed. This will help control misinformation and disinformation.”

General Secretary and Online Chief of Bhorer Kagoj, Mizanur Rahman Sohel, highlighted, “The Online Editors Alliance will work toward improving the online media industry in Bangladesh, creating policies, and ensuring free and impartial information dissemination through digital platforms. The government must involve the alliance in any decisions related to media reform, information commissions, or laws concerning online or digital platforms.” He also stressed incorporating online media into the Wage Board and increasing government advertisements on digital platforms.

Vice President of the alliance and Editor of Banglanews24.com, Lutfor Rahman Himel, remarked, “Journalists provide ‘information services,’ akin to healthcare services provided by doctors. However, digital platforms are now plagued by a flood of fake news, impacting the government the most. The alliance wants to extend full support to this reform-driven government.”

Himel further emphasized the need for both media professionals and readers to be educated and vigilant, stating, “Uninformed readers can easily fall prey to false news, sharing it impulsively on social media. Many low-quality news portals have emerged as platforms for blame games and sensationalism. This requires the government to remain alert. Educated and informed readers will empower online media to fulfill its role effectively, sidelining purveyors of fake news. As they say, ‘Information is power, but fake information is dangerous poison!’”

Alliance President Hasan Sharif underlined, “Online media has become a vital channel for delivering information swiftly. However, publishing unverified information can create confusion. We pledge to be more cautious moving forward.”

The meeting was also attended by Vice President KM Ziaul Haque of JagoNews24.com, Joint General Secretary Kamrul Islam Rubel of DBC Television, Assistant Organizing Secretary Sharafat Hossain of Daily Ittefaq, Finance Secretary Moin Bakul of Amader Shomoy Online, and Office Secretary Masud Bin Abdur Razzaq of Deepto TV, among others.