Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman has said that the media should refrain from broadcasting or publishing any information that may mislead the public or lacks any grounding in reality. It conveys a misleading message to the people. Publishing or promoting such information contradicts the media’s fundamental and ethical principles.
In an exclusive interview with Bangladesh Pratidin yesterday(Tuesday), Dr. Iftekharuzzaman made such remarks.
“Those who claim to be part of the media have a duty to disseminate genuine information. If they deviate from this responsibility, they will lose the core standards of media integrity,” said Dr. Iftekharuzzaman.
He reiterated the fact that the media should refrain from broadcasting or publishing any misleading information that doesn’t align with reality, as it sends the wrong message to the public and conflicts with the ethical position of the media.
According to Iftekharuzzaman, the ethical responsibility of the media should be to disseminate truthful information. Every media outlet should have an editorial policy. The core principle is to report the truth.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further stated, "If information is not properly verified, then the media will fail to fulfill its role"
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also feels that the role of the media is not just to disseminate information but to protect the public interest through the publication and promotion of accurate news.
Addressing reports published in the media after August 5, Iftekharuzzaman also said, "I have seen a lot of reports after August 5 that do not depict reality. If this trend continues, the core ideals of anti-discrimination and aspirations of building a new Bangladesh will be undermined. It would be a significant setback if the media fails to fulfill its role."
bd-pratidin/Rafid
