Check flow of harmful info, PM asks ministry

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina asked the Information Ministry on Wednesday to be watchful to check the flow of information that harm people, reports UNB.
"The duty of the Information Ministry is to be particularly watchful to stop the flow of harmful information," the PM gave the directive while addressing a function marking the laying of the foundation stone of Tatthya Bhaban (Information Building) on the premises of DFP at Circuit House Road in the city on the day.
She said this is an information age where information creates scopes for people. "But, fabricated information creates confusion among people and cause harm to them."
Hasina mentioned that this is important how information is placed, presented before the audience, and how the audience is receiving it.  "So, I hope the useful information will be presented before people," she said.
In this connection, the PM said special attention needs to be given to the information which harm people, especially children and youths, and damage their character building.
Held with Information Secretary Martuza Ahmed in the chair, the programme was addressed, among others, by Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, PM's Adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Ministry AKM Rahmatullah, MP.
Welcoming criticisms of the government, the PM said: "There'll be criticisms, let there be constructive criticisms. But, criticisms shouldn't confuse people distorting the fact. The critics should also mention the development and good jobs of the government."
Sheikh Hasina directed the Information Ministry to project government's last six and a half years' achievements more effectively.
She also asked the ministry to let people know what the government has done for their welfare and its future plans to turn Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021 and a developed one by 2041.
She said the Information Ministry has a big role in making people aware against militancy, terrorism, and drug addiction as well as informing them about government's development initiatives.
Referring to the distortion of the history of the country's independence and spirit of Liberation War, she said the ministry should take appropriate measures to disseminate undistorted information to people which will be helpful for them.
If people could be made aware through informing them about government initiatives taken for their developments and they could be made aware against militancy, terrorism, and other destructive activities the country would easily advance further towards desired development, she added.