Accurate information is crucial for building a new Bangladesh and public awareness must be created against misinformation, Environment, Forest, Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan said today.

She made the remarks while speaking at a seminar held at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) here this afternoon.
 
Addressing the seminar titled "Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation: Challenges, Responsibilities and the Path Forward for Development", the environment adviser said the media's primary responsibility is to present accurate information.

However, in many cases, misleading information is being disseminated, creating confusion in society, she said, pointing out that some news is published solely to gain views, often overshadowing the actual truth.

Rizwana said it is crucial to understand who controls media ownership.
"Over the past 20-25 years, the structure of the media has changed significantly. To ensure the dissemination of truthful news, these aspects must be considered," she said.

Kamal Ahmed, chief of Media Reform Commission; Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation; and Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir from the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University; and Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh; also spoke at the seminar with PIB Director General Faruk Wasif in the chair.

Journalists and media professionals attending the seminar exchanged views on media ethics and challenges in news dissemination.

 They stressed the importance of ensuring the spread of accurate information.