Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser to the Ministry of Home and Agriculture, urged journalists not to spread false news, emphasizing that misinformation benefits neighbouring country.

He made the remarks on Tuesday (Nov 19) during a press briefing at the Media Center of Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) in Dampara after a meeting with law enforcement officials.

“Neighboring media often spread false propaganda. I request you not to follow their example. Our media has a reputation, unlike theirs. You can counter their misinformation,” Jahangir Alam said.

He acknowledged that mistakes can happen and encouraged journalists to point them out but urged them to avoid publishing false reports.

Referring to rumors about a ship arriving from Pakistan, he clarified, “The ship originated in the Middle East, made a stop in another country, and then came to ours. Is it forbidden for any ship to come here? Are we bound to serve only one country? My country comes first. Items like dates, onions, and potatoes are essential for Ramadan. Should we stop importing them? Those spreading these rumors are enemies of the state.”

Addressing questions about cases filed after the government’s fall, Jahangir Alam assured that no one would be harassed with false cases. “We have issued notices in the media about this. Genuine cases will be pursued, but fake cases are not tolerated,” he said, adding that past practices of filing cases with false and anonymous names have been curbed.

When a journalist pointed out that only five out of at least 50 identified armed individuals linked to the July killings in Chattogram had been arrested, Jahangir Alam instructed CMP and RAB officials to create a list and take immediate action.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Moinul Islam, RAB DG Additional IGP AKM Shahidul Rahman, and other senior law enforcement officials were present at the meeting.

BDST: 1717 HRS, NOV 19, 2024
MSK