Photo: Collected
Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, information adviser to the prime minister, thinks media literacy, or media awareness, is essential to prevent the spread of disinformation alongside ensuring the protection of the country’s people. He said this at a discussion meeting organised at 11am on Saturday on the proposed amendment to the Cyber Protection Act and the review and proposals of the Bangladesh Journalists Council (BJC).
The information adviser said the country needs a cyber protection law that will protect people in the true sense. At the same time, effective initiatives must also be taken to stop the spread of disinformation online. For this, emphasis needs to be placed on raising media-related awareness among people.
He said the proposed Cyber Protection Act has not yet been finally passed. So there is scope for changes and amendments to the law, and discussion, review and necessary amendments regarding it are possible.
He also highlighted the need to bring new forms of online-based journalism and monetisation under a policy. In his view, as newer forms of online journalism are now emerging, these need to be brought within a policy framework.
Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said that whoever spreads rumours, falsehood and disinformation, the same legal framework should be applied equally to all. In enforcing the law, action must be taken under the same framework without considering who is for or against.
The proposed amendment to the Cyber Protection Act, the BJC’s review and various proposals were discussed at the meeting.
