Want to challenge disinformation and misinformation: Minister of State for Information



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Collected

Photo: Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

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.

Three doctors are absent for a long time causing sufferings to the patients



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Barta24.com

Pic: Barta24.com

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

The government has taken various initiatives to ensure the presence of doctors and officials in government hospitals. However, a different picture is seen in Barishal's 50- bed Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex. Three doctors of the hospital have been absent for a long time. As a result, patients have to suffer due to lack of proper healthcare.

Allegedly, medical services at the hospital have come to a standstill due to lack of strict supervision. Therefore, many patients are forced to seek treatment in private hospitals.

According to hospital sources, Dr. Abu Bakar Siddique joined Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex as Medical Officer on July 1, 2011. He has been absent since January 4, 2012 after staying at the hospital for just five months. Similarly, Dr. Soma Halder joined the health complex on October 8, 2014. She has also been absent since November 5, 2015, after serving for one year.

Sources also said that Dr. Shahana Rahman joined the hospital on November 25, 2023. She has not been coming to the hospital for the past 8 months.

Although the three mentioned doctors are absent for a long time, no appointments are being made in their place. As a result, patient services are constantly disrupted. Besides, the hospital authorities are also in trouble.

A responsible source of the hospital, on condition of anonymity, said that this alarming situation has arisen due to the non-punishment of those who are negligent in fulfilling their duties. Also there is a lack of strong supervision.

Upazila Health Officer Dr. Bakhtiar Al Mamun said that Dr. Abu Bakr Siddiq and Dr. Soma Halder have been given letters to join the workplace several times. But they are still not back to work. A departmental case is ongoing against them. In addition, Dr. Shahana Rahman has been given several letters to join the work. The Civil Surgeon's office has also been informed about the matter.

He also said that the information of doctors is sent to higher authorities and ministries every month. As such, the ministry is aware of the matter. According to the latest information, one doctor may be out of a job. Of the remaining two, one is abroad, the other I don't know where. Regarding the appointment of doctors, he said, appointment is not possible until the posts are vacant. As a result, it will take time to find a new doctor.

;

Three coordinators in DB for interrogation



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken three people, including Nahid Islam, one of the coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement, into custody from Gonoshasthaya Nagar Hospital in the capital. The other two coordinators are Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumdar.

A DB source confirmed this information on Friday (July 26) night.

DB said three coordinators have been brought to the DB office for security and interrogation purposes.

All three of them are students of Dhaka University.

;

What the Home Minister said about lifting of the curfew



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Pic: Collected

Pic: Collected

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said, everyone has to wait a little with the curfew till public life becomes normal. We are looking at whether the curfew can be relaxed.

He said these things while talking to reporters about the ongoing situation on Friday (July 26) night.

The Home Minister said, we are seeing if the curfew can be relaxed. Police BGB, Army are working. We have to wait a little until public life becomes normal. People should be patient. He also said that a decision may be made subject to discussion on Saturday (July 27).

At that time, he mentioned that there were brutal killings in the name of the movement, and he said, who will take responsibility for this loss of the country? BNP said they are not involved in violence. So who did it? It is a question of the people.

Regarding the arrest of the quota activists, the Home Minister said that the quota agitator leaders themselves are suffering from insecurity. For their safety, law enforcement has been called. Further action will be taken after the inquiry.

Incidentally, the government clamped a curfew from 12 midnight on July 19 to keep the situation normal around the quota reform movement. The army was also deployed.

The curfew was later relaxed for a specified period but has not yet been lifted completely.

;

Government to provide treatment & income to all injured: Prime Minister



Staff Correspondent, Barta24.com
Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

  • Font increase
  • Font Decrease

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the government will provide treatment and income to all those injured in the recent violence, regardless of party affiliation.

She said this while visiting the injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Friday (July 26). Meanwhile, she inquired about the physical condition of the injured.

Sheikh Hasina said that the government will do whatever is necessary for the treatment of those injured in the violence. The government will take responsibility for the treatment of the injured, whichever party they belong to.

She also said, even after accepting all the demands on the quota, why is the movement not ending? Everyone at home and abroad should be vocal against the violence and brutality of BNP-Jamaat.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister visited several wards of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and inquired about the injured. She talked to doctors and nurses. She ordered to give all kinds of treatment to the injured.

Earlier in the morning, the head of government visited the Bangladesh Television (BTV) building damaged by vandals' attack and fire at Rampura in the capital.

;