Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), stressed the responsibility of the media to avoid disseminating information that could mislead the public or distort reality. 

“The media should not publish or broadcast any information that might confuse people or diverge from the truth, as this goes against its fundamental and ethical principles,” he said in an exclusive interview with the daily Bangladesh Pratidin Tuesday.

Iftekharuzzaman further noted that those who identify as media organisations are expected to deliver accurate information. 

Deviating from this erodes the basic standards of the media. The ethical duty of the media is to communicate genuine information, as each outlet should ideally have editorial guidelines and standards in place. 

"The main point," he added, "is to present factual occurrences accurately."

He warned that failing to verify information compromises the media's core role and its function as a pillar of the state. Beyond merely reporting information, the media plays a critical role in protecting public interests and supporting democracy. 

Addressing recent reports following the events of 5 August, Iftekharuzzaman observed that many reports lack alignment with reality. He cautioned that if this trend continues, it could hinder the media’s role in upholding equality and advancing the vision of a new Bangladesh—a duty crucial to its purpose.

BDST: 1557 HRS, NOV 06, 2024
SMS