Disinformation threat grows; facts remain media’s strongest defence
Principal Information Officer (PIO) of the Press Information Department (PID) journalist leader Syed Abdal Ahmed today said in the current digital age, disinformation has emerged as a major challenge for free media, stressing that only accurate and verified information can effectively counter rumours.
"In this maze of information, the presentation of correct and verified facts can be the most effective tool to combat rumours," he said while presenting the keynote paper at a seminar today.
The seminar was organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the Jitaya Press Club this afternoon, marking the upcoming World Press Freedom Day to be observed tomorrow May 3.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon addressed the seminar as the chief guest.
While presenting the paper, Syed Abdal Ahmed said that disinformation and rumours now pose a major threat to national security. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he noted that it has been identified as the number one short-term global risk for the next two years.
He said data from the research wing of the Press Information Department shows that at least 18 incidents of baseless news were identified between February 24 and April 26 this year, which pose a threat to social stability and the credibility of mainstream journalism.
Quoting the 2026 report of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), he said Bangladesh ranked 152nd among 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index.
Expressing hope, he said Bangladesh's position in the index would improve further due to steps taken by the current government.
The Principal Information Officer said the media had suffered severely during the past 15 years of authoritarian rule, and free and independent journalism is now on the path to recovery.
Warning about the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology, he said it is nearly impossible to detect AI-generated images or videos with the naked eye. In this regard, he stressed the need for specialised training for journalists and the establishment of dedicated fact-checking wings in every media house.
He also called for ensuring objective journalism with the support of fact-checking organisations like Rumour Scanner and Dismislab.
"The media is the mirror of society. A free and responsible press is the safeguard of a transparent and accountable state. Where media is not free, accountability is almost dead," he added, urging the creation of an environment where journalists can work fearlessly to ensure good governance.
Speakers at the seminar, attended by top leaders of BFUJ and DUJ, called for effective government support to ensure independent and safe journalism.
