Journalists key to countering rumours, misinfo: Info Secy

“Journalists can play an important role in delivering accurate information to the people and countering rumours and misinformation,” she said while inaugurating a workshop titled ‘Digital Journalism’ for journalists injured during the July Uprising, organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) at its auditorium in the capital.

Mahbuba Farjana said journalists played a fearless role during the July Uprising, many of whom were injured, lost limbs and eyesight, while some even sacrificed their lives.

She said the time has come to repay this blood debt. “We have no party, no opinion, we have July 24. The lesson of July 24, above party and opinion, is to highlight the truth and not bow down,” she said.

She further said, “You (journalists) will have to take an oath to make the country beautiful. You must present the truth to the people. You will fight against misinformation, rumours and evil forces with your pen.”

Emphasizing the need to enhance journalists’ skills through training, the secretary said it is important to learn modern methods of photography, videography, editing and digital journalism with mobile phones. “In the July Uprising, it was not writing but pictures and videos that stirred people the most, evoking pain and sadness,” she added.

PIB Director General Faruk Wasif presided over the event.

In his speech, Faruk Wasif said journalists are not only experts in disseminating information, but also one of the vanguards in the fight against fascism, reports BSS. 

He said if journalists do not speak the truth with courage, society will fall silent. Therefore, journalists at the small town or district level can also play an equally significant role, he added.