Saleh Shibli claims 410 pieces of misinformation were spread against the Prime Minister over 9 months.

Bangla Press Desk: Prime Minister’s Press Secretary A.A.M. Saleh (Saleh Shibli) stated that 410 instances of misinformation concerning Tareque Rahman were circulated during the nine-month period from January to September of this year.
He noted that, during the same period, 118 instances of misinformation regarding the BNP and 451 instances concerning the current government were also identified. He cited these figures based on a report from a fact-checking organization.
He shared these remarks while serving as the chief guest at an event welcoming new members to the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), held on Friday (October 16) at the organization’s Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium.
Saleh Shibli remarked that misinformation and rumors have become a major challenge for journalism. While a vast array of information circulates on social media, its credibility remains questionable; consequently, people continue to rely on responsible media outlets to verify the authenticity of significant news.
He observed that the expansion of social media has been accompanied by an increase in irresponsible behavior. In contrast, responsible journalism has managed to retain public trust. When people encounter news on social media, they often cross-check it against reports from television channels and established newspapers to determine its accuracy.
The Prime Minister’s Press Secretary emphasized that journalists must play a more responsible role in countering misinformation and rumors. He suggested that every television channel and media outlet should introduce regular fact-checking segments—noting that even a 10-to-15-minute daily program could help the public identify accurate information. Highlighting the necessity of verifying images and videos found on social media, he warned that even major media outlets can occasionally fall into the trap of disseminating fake images or information without prior verification. Therefore, it is essential to confirm the authenticity of any information before publishing or broadcasting it.
Saleh Shibli further stated that an effective legal framework is necessary to combat misinformation and rumors. However, he stressed that the formulation or enforcement of cybersecurity-related laws must not infringe upon press freedom. Furthermore, there should be provisions to amend, supplement, or modify such laws as circumstances evolve. He noted that many people who are unfamiliar with how to use social media often fall victim to misinformation. They may not be in a position to protest or seek redress on their own. In such cases, the government must stand by them and ensure protection for everyone.
Addressing the new members of the DRU (Dhaka Reporters Unity), the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary emphasized the importance of maintaining the organization's unity. While differences of opinion may arise, the true beauty of an organization lies in achieving common goals through mutual respect and consensus. Acknowledging that journalists may hold their own political ideologies, he stated that supporting a particular political party or belief is a matter of personal freedom. However, he cautioned that such personal or partisan convictions must not hinder the reporting of the truth.
He stressed that the primary duty of a journalist is to present the truth. Just as they should highlight the positive aspects of the government’s beneficial initiatives, they must also expose any irregularities or corruption. At the same time, one should not allow isolated instances of wrongdoing to overshadow the positive aspects of an overall initiative.
Saleh Shibli further remarked that it is essential to build a state and society where no one faces discrimination based on their religion, ideology, or political identity. Journalists, too, must play a responsible role in ensuring equal rights, human dignity, and security for all citizens. During the event, he congratulated the new DRU members and urged them to uphold the organization’s traditions and unity.
The event was presided over by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and moderated by Mainul Hasan Sohel. The welcome address was delivered by Organizing Secretary M M Jasim. Other speakers included DRU Vice-President Mehdi Azad Masum, Joint Secretary Md. Zafar Iqbal, former General Secretary Kabir Ahmed Khan, and former Publicity and Publication Secretary Md. Shahidul Islam.
Also present on the occasion were DRU Executive Committee members: Finance Secretary Niaz Mahmud Sohel, Office Secretary Md. Rashim (Rashim Molla), Sports Secretary Omar Faruk Rubel, and Cultural Secretary Md. Manowar Hossain; Hospitality Secretary Aminul Haque Bhuiyan; Welfare Secretary Rafiq Mridha; Executive Members Md. Aktar Hossain, Ali Azam, Mahfuz Sadi, Al-Amin Azad, Suman Chowdhury, and Md. Abdul Alim.
BP/TD