Social media platforms like Facebook, should be held accountable to prevent rumors, misinformation: Palak

Staff Correspondent: Minister for Post, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Zunaid Ahmed Palak, said that digital media, including social media platforms like Facebook, should be held accountable to prevent rumors and misinformation.

He made this remark this morning while answering questions from journalists on contemporary issues at the end of a seminar held at a hotel in Dhaka’s Gulshan.

Regarding the safety of students in the quota movement, Palak said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very concerned about the safety of general students. “We are also very worried. Since yesterday afternoon, the violence that has occurred inside and outside of Dhaka, the loss of lives, is very alarming. I urge everyone to be aware and not to engage in violence. The law enforcement agencies will ensure everyone’s safety.”

Saying that the conspirators behind the violence will be identified, Palak said that the Prime Minister will definitely consider the demands of the general students. The matter has gone to the court to support them, and an appeal has also been made. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina always considers the safety and future of students. She will identify the conspirators and miscreants involved in the recent incidents and take action, he said.

The State Minister said that the demands of the general students, which were peaceful and non-political, were hijacked by some groups with vested interests who spread rumors that two people had died. When the rumor spread, no one had died. But we saw that some international media and some state representatives gave statements and speeches based on this rumor. By doing so, they legitimized the rumor.

“In the wake of this rumor, a terrible situation was created due to provocation. Clashes in various places resulted in the loss of 6-7 lives. Shouldn’t the platforms that spread falsehoods and rumors be held responsible for the loss of these lives?” — the State Minister said.

Expressing the government’s belief in ensuring freedom of speech, Palak said, “We believe in free speech. Students are expressing their opinions. When Dhaka University was bloodied, whatever the context, we are respectful of anyone commenting on it. But many rumors are also spreading. My request is that people should not make emotional decisions based on information seen on social media. They should not descend into violent situations due to any provocation.”

Earlier, the State Minister participated as the chief guest in the seminar titled ‘Cyber-Security Symposium: Bangladesh’s Path Forward.’ In his speech there, he said that social media platforms like Facebook and digital media should be held accountable to prevent the spread of rumors, misinformation, and bullying. He also urged international organizations to take steps to ensure Facebook’s accountability regarding deepfakes and cyberbullying.