Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman on Wednesday urged the media to exercise greater caution and responsibility in reporting amid the spread of misleading and distorted information through social media and other platforms.
“Alongside press freedom, responsibility and caution are essential in news reporting,” he said at a special press conference at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon.
Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary Saleh Shibli and relevant officials were present.
Ruman said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman believes in press freedom, but urged all concerned to ensure that the freedom is not misused to spread misinformation or propaganda.
Referring to reports that a temple had been demolished in the name of new reforms, he said the information was being distorted, claiming that the government was actually carrying out development work at the temple.
He alleged that similar misinformation was also being spread by some people within the country.
Mentioning the Prime Minister’s association with newspapers, Ruman said Tarique Rahman had himself been involved with newspapers and believed in press freedom.
He said the government has not yet completed six months in office and many of its initiatives will take time to produce results.
“Everyone needs to be patient to see the outcomes of the government’s initiatives,” he said.
Ruman said the Prime Minister has been working from morning to evening on various issues and that the government was taking steps to improve the gas and electricity situation.
He urged all to work together to ensure peace and comfort in people’s lives and build a better Bangladesh.
