Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Jan 28, 2026 (BSS)- Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr Bazlur 
Rashid has said that the real truth must be published without falling into 
anyone's trap during elections.
 
The government wants to reach the people through the media, and therefore 
everyone must be media-friendly, he noted. 

There is no scope to stay away from the media, as the media broadcasts news 
about their activities. Maintaining communication with the media is 
essential, as they convey all aspects of official work to the public.

He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange 
meeting titled "Guidelines-2025 for Journalists Assigned to Election News 
Coverage," organised by the Rajshahi Regional Information Office at its 
conference room in the city today. 

Highlighting the deep trust the general public places in the media, the 
Divisional Commissioner said that elections are a very important public-
oriented matter. During voting periods, people remain highly alert, and the 
public looks to the media for information, he said. 

During elections, everyone is eager to know who received how many votes, 
where, and what the situation is like in different areas. 

He called on journalists to use the power of information disclosure 
responsibly during this time and earn public credibility. Praising Rajshahi 
journalists for maintaining standards in news reporting, he said that 
mainstream media outlets publish news with great importance at the national 
level while sensational news may bring temporary attention for a few times 
but it is not sustained in the long run.

Regarding the establishment of election media cells, he said that in 
preparation for the election, Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) will brief 
journalists daily on activities at the upazila level, and instructions have 
also been given to implement the same system at the district level.

There are plans to launch a media cell at the Divisional Commissioner's 
Office, he said adding, "Through this, an overall picture of the division can 
be presented to journalists."
 
By answering journalists' questions, the public's access to information will 
be ensured and the distance between officials and the media will be reduced.
 
He emphasized the need for cooperation in holding discussions with 
journalists, especially since many officials are young. 
At the same time, he assured journalists that necessary measures would be 
taken to resolve any difficulties faced by the media in collecting election 
news.

At the meeting, a PowerPoint presentation on the theme was delivered by 
Deputy Principal Information Officer Md. Touhiduzzaman, who also presided 
over the session.

District Information Office Director Tazkia Akbari, Deputy Director Nafeyala 
Nasreen, Senior Assistant Commissioner Md. Zubayer Hossain, along with 
editors of local newspapers and representatives from television channels and 
national daily newspapers, among others, were present.