Govt plans to open cell to stop internet propaganda before general election

The government plans to set up a cell to detect rumours to stop 'propaganda' on the internet ahead of the general elections.

The move comes on the heel of swirling rumours about the movement for safe roads spread fast on Facebook and other social networking sites amidst protests by students.
 
But, a final decision will be taken in the inter-ministerial meeting after discussions with the prime minister, said Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu at an event in Dhaka on Tuesday.
 
State Minister for Information Tarana Halim has directed the information department to form an ‘Immediate Response Working Team' within 15 days to identify the rumours by monitoring the media.
 
“Before the age of social media, there was a bad culture of spreading rumour. Recently, after the emergence of social media, the issue has again come to the fore,” said Inu.
 
Blaming criminals, blackmailers, foreign spies and vested quarters for spreading rumours, he said, “Those involved in crimes also use rumour as a tool. Political parties are spreading rumours and lying for gains as well.”
 
The information minister said communal and militant groups continue to lie by misinterpreting religion.
The government should take responsibility for continuing the flow of information to offset rumours, he said.
 
Inu emphasised making people aware of the rumours spread through digital media by imparting digital education. 
 
“There should be a wide publicity campaign and mainstream media can play a big role here,” he added.