Speaking on the impact of media trials on the economy, daily Manab Zamin editor-in-chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said that media trials not only tarnish reputations but also have significant negative economic consequences. 

If a businessperson becomes the target of a media trial, it can devastate their business, deter both domestic and foreign investment, and bring stagnation to the economy, causing widespread job losses, he said. 

"The media cannot avoid responsibility in this regard, and therefore, it must exercise the utmost caution before publishing news. The media have to uncover the truth," he said in an exclusive interview with the daily Bangladesh Pratidin yesterday.

Chowdhury added that those involved in embezzling money, defaulting on loans, or engaging in corruption must face justice. However, media trials that harm individuals are undesirable. He noted that unhealthy competition in the media sometimes leads to publishing news without proper verification, and without considering the consequences of such reports.

Reflecting on the "1/11" political crisis, he mentioned the negative impact of media trials during that period, which led to a significant downturn in business and left many unemployed. Ultimately, most accusations against businesspeople were found baseless, but the damage caused to the overall economy by media trials was long-lasting. Honest businesspeople felt intimidated, discouraging them from pursuing new ventures, and foreign investors withdrew or withheld new investments, leading to economic stagnation.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury stressed the need for the media to be vigilant when publishing news, with a commitment to finding the truth as its primary responsibility.

Source: Bangladesh Pratidin 

BDST: 1625 HRS, NOV 06, 2024
SMS