C T Online Desk: Home Affairs Adviser Lt Gen (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury has urged the need to counter false news with accurate information.
The adviser made the comment after inspecting the Langalbandh bathing festival in Narayanganj on Saturday, reports Bangla Tribune.
He said: “Publish true and accurate news. When accurate news is published, false news will naturally be exposed. Many people earn more money by spreading false news. Our country’s media has strong relationships with many foreign media outlets, and sometimes they may try to spread false news.
“However, you should counter false news with the truth. This will bring shame on those spreading lies. If we make any mistakes, you should publish them. I have no objection to that. But do not publish any false news.”
Jahangir also said: “We will discuss with the Ministry of Tourism to explore how we can develop this place into a tourist center. However, it is important to remember that this is a sacred site. It is a religious matter. We must ensure that the religious sanctity of the place is not disturbed when tourists visit.”
He also mentioned that the number of pilgrims this year has been higher than in previous years.
“The river water is better this year compared to other years. The number of pilgrims is significantly higher than last year. From last night until midnight tonight, they will perform their ritual bath according to the auspicious time. The coast guard, naval police, army, Ansar, magistrates, district administration, and others are all working here,” he said.
The adviser further said: “There is no division here. Whether Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or Christian, there is no discrimination. We are all Bangladeshis. We are here as Bangladeshis.”
Notably, the Mahashtami Holy Bath for Hindus began at 2am on Friday and will continue until 12:45am on Saturday on the banks of the Brahmaputra River at Langalbandh, Narayanganj.
Millions of pilgrims from home and abroad are participating in the festival.
The event has been organized with maximum security, with regular inspections by the Narayanganj administration, police, and the army to ensure safety and take necessary actions.
