Staff Correspondent

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has stressed developing social and political awareness to prevent misinformation as legal protection alone is not enough to do so.

"The spread of misinformation is a social and political malaise. Misinformation could not be stopped through legal protection alone. Social and political awareness is essential to prevent the spread of falsehoods and the creation of confusion," he told a weekly press briefing at the Press Information Department (PID) here on Tuesday.

Rahman urged the Information Commission to play a more active role in preventing misinformation in the future.

He said the government is working to formulate the legal framework for a new Cyber Security Act to prevent misinformation as it has started consulting with stakeholders to this end.

Responding to a question about the country's law-and-order situation, the adviser said law-enforcement agencies are currently working very actively. 

Describing the country's coming out from a state of anarchy as a major development, Zahed said it has been possible to keep political and social stability as an elected government is in power.

Regarding the recent unwanted incident at Radda clinic in the capital's Mirpur area and at the establishment of content creator Salman Muqtadir, he said although no extortion took place there, an incident of violence did occur. 

An investigation is underway to determine whether there was any negligence by the police at the time of the incident, he said adding that the government's responsibility is to take strict action against every person involved in a crime following an impartial investigation.

Expressing sympathy for Muqtadir, the adviser said, "We sympathize with him as a victim. However, although no extortion took place there, misinformation was spread. People like Salman Muqtadir need to be more responsible."

Expressing his dissatisfaction, he said based on Muqtadir's initial statement, opposition party Jamaat-e-Islami and several leaders of the NCP posted statements on social media alleging extortion. 

Although Muqtadir later withdrew the allegation himself, those posts by opposition leaders and NCP leaders still remain on social media, he said.

Zahed said anyone can constructively criticize the government based on accurate and objective information.

"But creating a deliberate narrative using false information and misinformation is a crime. Everyone needs to be socially and politically responsible. And although labeling the BNP as responsible for extortion may be a form of politics, the government is taking action as soon as complaints are received rather than simply listening to narratives," he said.

Turning to social safety net programme, the adviser reiterated that assistance would be provided to 5.5 million families under the Food-Friendly Programme to reduce the pressure on ordinary people caused by rising fuel prices.

He said LPG importers have informed the government that there is no shortage of LPG gas in the country. Sufficient quantities of gas have been imported, he said, so there is no opportunity to create an artificial shortage through hoarding.

Zahed said Bangladesh and the United States had recently signed an agreement concerning the peaceful use of civilian nuclear energy. 

He said the agreement would expand opportunities for cooperation on new technologies for future nuclear power generation in Bangladesh.

Responding to a question about seeking the return of Sheikh Hasina from India to face trial for crimes against humanity, the adviser said, "Sheikh Hasina is a convicted and exceptionally dangerous accused in crimes against humanity. She can also be tried in an international court. She is currently in India. The government is working to bring her back to the country through bilateral discussions and ensure that she faces trial."

Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and Joint Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mohammad Zahurul Islam were present at the briefing.