Responsible journalism vital in digital age: Alam

“Media must be handled more responsibly now than ever before,” he said, warning that the spread of unchecked or provocative contents can even incite unrest.

He made these remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a three-day training programme on “Digital Journalism,” organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) for journalists injured during the July-August 2024 mass uprising.

PIB Director General Faruk Wasif presided over the event while senior trainer Golam Murshed also spoke on the occasion.

Shafiqul Alam reiterated the interim government's commitment to freedom of speech, but advised journalists to be prepared for changing political dynamics.

"Those who come to power later (after the interim government) will take their own steps in this regard," he said.

He opined that journalists should be prepared for all situations.

“The scope of news publication has expanded greatly due to the internet and social media. So journalists must remain ethical and cautious,” he added.

The training focused on digital content creation, fact-checking, AI tools, bias detection, and journalism ethics. 

A total of 28 journalists—physically or mentally injured while covering the 2024 movement—participated in the programme.

Director General Faruk Wasif urged journalists to use careful language and apply their training toward national peace and professional development, reports BSS.