Time to formulate universal rules-regulations to stop online rumors: Info Minister

Information Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said, writing something against somebody and spreading rumors in social media are not only possible from the country but also from staying abroad. Time has come to bring the matter under universal rules and regulations. It is not only thinkable matter for Bangladesh but also for other countries.

He said these as the chief guest at a program organized at the Cosmos center in the capital on Saturday.

Hasan Mahmud said, there are around eight crore internet users in the country. Misuse of social media has also increased in this era of internet. Journalists have to be more attentive at present as unedited news has increased in online social media.

He said, media sector has expanded during the rule of present government and along with false news has increased. As well as there is an online revolution in social media.

To the journalists the minister said, mistake may occur while discharging responsibility. You should do constructive criticism to the mistakes. Constructive criticism makes the work sharp. But if the criticism is blind then it makes us frustrated.

Hasan Mahmud said, the incumbent government is working for liberty of mass media. We are working on ninth wage board. Mass media policy is formulated. It has to be turned into law.

Mentioning that liberty of media is fully attached with accountability the minister said, liberty and accountability should work together for the welfare of state, society and country.

AH