Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Arafat said that he wants to challenge disinformation and wrong information with true information.
The state minister said this while giving an interview to German journalists visiting Bangladesh in the office room of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at noon on Thursday (February 22).
Journalists Richard Biel, Michael Stang, Susan Kreutzmann, Aljosa Hartmann, Julia Theresa Held, Natalie Meroth, Benjamin Bernd Thomas, working in various German media were present at the time.
In response to a question from German journalists regarding the response to the 2023 report and ranking published by Reporters Without Frontiers (RSF), the state minister said, "Recently, I have not criticized the report and ranking published on the RSF website, but presented real information because it's still on their website in 2024. There are many wrong information in the report of RSF and contrary to this I have presented the truth in the media with evidence and sent a letter to RSF in this regard. Our intention is to present the truth to RSF and re-evaluate our ranking.
He said that sometimes some people criticize the work of the government with bad intentions. The current government welcomes constructive criticism. We just want to prevent disinformation and misinformation. When the media criticizes the government with proper evidence, it helps the government. But criticizing something with wrong information doesn't help anyone.
While giving the interview, he said that the government has made the Digital Security Act to keep people safe from the digital world. Criticized for its misuse, the government changed it to the Cyber Security Act. This is the beauty of the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her government has always been adjusting and changing everything according to demand.
In response to a question regarding global climate change, the state minister said that Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. Bangladesh has formulated a 100-year Delta Plan to protect the Bangladesh Delta. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is building houses for climate refugees. More research is needed to address the risks of global climate change. Bangladesh has always been making strong statements on this issue in international forums. The international community needs to come up with more cooperation and realistic solutions to deal with climate risks.
In response to a question about the Rohingya refugees, Mohammad Ali Arafat said that Bangladesh has shown maximum sympathy to the Rohingyas. Currently, the Rohingya citizens of Myanmar are a major source of stress for densely populated countries like Bangladesh. Bangladesh wants the Rohingyas to return to their home country with dignity. The whole world has a responsibility for Rohingya refugees. Developed countries should play a role in creating a suitable environment for the return of Rohingyas to Myanmar. The international community should continue to put pressure on Myanmar in this regard. Moreover, the countries that have the capacity can help the Rohingyas to live a better life by taking them to their respective countries.