An exchange meeting on ‘Role of mass media in countering rumours’ was held at Mithapukur

Abdul Halim

An exchange meeting was held on the initiative of Rangpur Regional Information Office on ‘Role of mass media in preventing rumours’. Mithapukur Upazila Executive Officer Md Parvez was present as the chief guest in the exchange meeting held at Mithapukur Upazila Parishad conference room on Tuesday (May 5th) noon. Rangpur Regional Information Office Senior Information Officer Md. Shahjahan Ali presided over the event
In the chief guest’s speech at the event, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer said that newspapers are the mirror of the society and the state. The journalists presented the picture of various inconsistencies and corruption in the society along with the development activities of the government. Talking about rumours, he said, it brings huge damage from individual life to state level. Before accepting any information blindly, it is very important to check whether it is a rumour. Rumors are spreading rapidly, especially through social media such as YouTube and Facebook, which are causing confusion in the society. Regarding the Digital Security Act, 2025, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Parvez said, this law has strict punishment provisions against defamation and misinformation, which can play an effective role in curbing rumours.
Addressing the media workers, he said, it is possible to make the news objective and acceptable if its truth is verified before dissemination. In this case it is also important to keep in touch with the relevant sources. He called upon the media workers to report the news with correct and accurate information through regular knowledge practice and sense of responsibility.
At the beginning of the discussion session, Senior Information Officer of Rangpur Regional Information Office, Md. Shahjahan Ali, presented a still about the purpose, types, tools, effects of rumours, its impact on society and the state and the responsibility of the media to prevent it.
Participating in the open discussion, the media workers said to refrain from spreading false news in case of lack of information and to ensure objective journalism. Besides updating the websites of the concerned departments with information,He expressed his opinion on verifying rumors spread on social media and taking legal action and strengthening campaign activities to increase public awareness in this regard.
Ayesha Siddika, Assistant Information Officer, Regional Information Office, Rangpur also spoke on the occasion. The program was moderated by Regional Information Office, Rangpur Assistant Information Officer Md. Rupal Mia.##5-5-2026