Ziauddin Liton

Journalism is not just a profession; it is a responsibility that upholds truth, serves public interest, and holds the powerful accountable. However, in recent times, Bangladesh’s media landscape has been plagued by a serious crisis—extortion under the guise of journalism, dissemination of false information, and the rise of unethical reporting. Certain individuals and organizations are exploiting the noble ideals of journalism for personal gain, thereby tarnishing the credibility and integrity of the media.

The Rise of Fake Journalism and Extortion

The rapid increase of online news portals in Bangladesh has raised concerns. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, there are currently over 3,000 online news portals in the country, many of which operate without official registration. Studies indicate that only 10-15% of these portals are here to true journalistic principles, while many others function solely for personal and political gains.

Law enforcement agencies have frequently arrested fake journalists who use their media identity to intimidate government officials, businesspersons, and ordinary citizens for extortion.

How Does Media-Based Extortion Work?

Fake journalists employ various tactics to extort money, including:

1. Fabricating News and Blackmailing

Creating baseless allegations against businesspersons or public officials and threatening to publish them unless a payment is made.

Spreading false information about influential individuals or organizations and later demanding money to retract the news.

2. Establishing Fake News Portals for Malicious Purposes

Running unregistered online portals and distributing fake press IDs.

Allowing unqualified individuals to misuse the title of "journalist" for personal gain.

3. Interfering in Government and Private Projects

Accusing government and private development projects of corruption and demanding bribes to drop the allegations.

Seeking commissions from contractors under the pretense of investigative journalism.

What Are the Root Causes?

Several structural and administrative weaknesses contribute to the rise of extortion in the name of journalism:

1. Lack of Journalist Registration

Bangladesh lacks a formal registration system for journalists, allowing anyone to claim the title without verification.

No centralized authority exists to assess qualifications and grant journalistic accreditation.

2. Unregulated Growth of Online Media

The absence of government registration and quality control has led to a proliferation of fake news portals.

Some of these portals operate purely for financial gain through advertisements and unethical practices.

3. Economic Instability and Weak Media Institutions

Many media outlets struggle financially and fail to provide fair wages to their journalists.

As a result, some journalists resort to unethical means, such as paid news and extortion.

4. Weak Law Enforcement

While there are legal measures against fraudulent journalism, their implementation remains ineffective.

Arrested fake journalists often escape justice due to political backing, allowing extortion to persist.

What Can Be Done?

To preserve the integrity and credibility of journalism, the following steps must be taken:

1. Implement a Journalist Registration System

Establish a central registration process to ensure that only trained and qualified individuals are recognized as journalists.

Introduce strict eligibility criteria to prevent the misuse of journalistic identity.

2. Enforce Mandatory Registration for Online News Portals

Require all online media platforms to obtain government registration and adhere to quality standards.

Take action against unregistered and illegitimate news portals.

3. Provide Proper Training and Ethical Education

Ensure that aspiring journalists receive formal training before entering the profession.

Raise awareness about journalistic ethics among media professionals.

4. Strengthen Legal Measures Against Fake Journalism

Take swift and strict action against individuals engaged in media-based extortion and fraudulent journalism.

Enforce legal consequences for those involved in unethical media practices.

5. Increase Accountability Among Media Organizations and Journalist Associations

Journalist unions and associations must actively monitor their members and identify suspicious individuals.

These organizations should take a proactive role in protecting genuine journalists and upholding ethical standards.

Conclusion

Journalism is a vital pillar of democracy and public welfare. However, the unethical actions of a few individuals have eroded public trust in the media. If extortion and deceit continue under the guise of journalism, it will have severe consequences for society and democracy.

To combat this issue, the government, journalist associations, and media organizations must work together. Fake journalists must be identified and held accountable, while genuine journalists should be empowered to carry out their duties with integrity. Strengthening journalism through proper training, ethical education, and strict legal measures is the only way forward. Journalism is a profession of truth and justice—if it is exploited for financial gain, the media will lose its credibility. The time to act is now, ensuring that true journalists can fulfill their responsibilities and serve society.

The writer is a, Teacher, journalist and columnist