Photo: Collected
Noting that a cyber security law is needed, the prime minister’s press secretary A A M Saleh Shibly has remarked that it must be ensured that the law does not hamper mainstream journalism.
He said this in his speech as chief guest at the ‘DRU new member reception ceremony’ at the Shafiqul Kabir auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) at Segunbagicha in the capital on Friday afternoon.
Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said a coherent law is needed to counter the spread of disinformation, rumours and false information on social media; at the same time, the freedom of journalism and the role of the mainstream media must also be kept in consideration while framing the law. He said that after the law is enacted, amendments, additions or deletions can be made to it as required. Noting, however, that an effective legal framework is essential to establish morality, law and order and discipline in the state and society, he said the government also has a responsibility to protect ordinary people who fall victim to smear campaigns on social media.
Calling on the media to be more responsible in countering rumours, the press secretary proposed that fact-check or information-verification programmes could be aired every day on print and electronic media. This would give people the opportunity to verify the authenticity of information found on social media and would reduce the spread of rumours.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon presided over the programme, while the organisation’s general secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel conducted it.
In his welcome address, DRU Organising Secretary M M Jasim said more than 400 reporters working in various media outlets in Dhaka had applied for DRU membership this time. After scrutiny, only 40 received membership in line with the organisation’s rules.
