ZCZC
BSS-21
COVID19-RUMOUR-HASAN
Hasan warns of tough actions against COVID-19 rumour creators
DHAKA, April 9, 2020 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today
warned that the government would take stern actions against those involved in
spreading rumours over coronavirus.
“No matter whether rumours are spread from home or abroad, the government
will take stern actions against the rumour creators,” he said in a meeting
with the chiefs and representatives of emergency service agencies at the
Secretariat here.
Dr Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said some people
always get involved in spreading rumours when any special situation is
created or any disaster takes place in the country.
“Particularly, these people try to create panic among the commoners by
using social media. And, at the same time, a vested quarter always spreads
rumours to put the government in trouble,” he said.
Noting that the government is strictly monitoring rumours and has already
taken actions against many people found involved in spreading rumours, the
information minister reiterated that the government was committed to take
harsher actions against these wrongdoers.
“Besides, the Press Information Department (PID) is looking after this
issue. Our ministry has a rumour prevention cell where the officials work
around-the-clock. So, don’t spread rumours,” he added.
Observing that many are spreading rumours from abroad, the AL joint general
secretary said Bangladeshi expatriates are patriotic but some of them are
trying to create panic among the country’s people by spreading rumours, using
social media.
Lauding the role of mass media amid the coronavirus crisis, he said when
the country’s people are staying home, journalists have been working round-
the-watch in an adverse situation to publish news.
The information minister urged the journalists and media officials to make
authentic and objective news. “Do not release such news items which mislead
the people,” he said.
Giving thanks to the cable network operators, he said the people are now
watching televisions to get information on coronavirus and “if you face any
problem to operate cable network, seek assistance from the local
administration”.
Hasan said as the Bangladesh Betar, Bangladesh Television (BTV), PID and
Mass Communication Department provide emergency services, these agencies
remain open during the ongoing holidays and their officials have been working
overcoming all barriers. “That’s why I express my gratitude to them,” he
added.
At today’s meeting, he said, they decided that alongside Bangladesh Betar
and Bangladesh Television, the regional and field officials of PID and Mass
Communication Department will work at their respective offices during the
ongoing crisis to help people get information.
Information Secretary Kamrun Nahar, principal information officer Surath
Kumar Sarker, Bangladesh Television director general SM Haroon-or-Rashid and
additional secretary of the ministry Md Mizan Ul Alam were, among others,
present at the meeting.
BSS/PR/MRI/GA/1659 hrs