Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, issued a stern warning to the media on Saturday, criticizing several outlets for publishing unverified reports that nearly incited widespread chaos.
The criticism follows Friday’s clashes between police and members of "Inquilab Moncho" in Dhaka. Tensions spiked after a Facebook post claimed activist Abdullah Al Jaber had been "shot" (gulibiddha). Despite no medical or police confirmation, several major TV channels and newspapers reported the claim as fact.
"We expect responsible journalism, especially while the media enjoys unprecedented freedom," Alam wrote on social media. He clarified that the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) no longer carry lethal weapons, per Interim Government directives, and that Dhaka Medical College Hospital confirmed no protesters suffered gunshot wounds.
Alam noted that reckless reporting previously fueled a "lynch mob" atmosphere during past incidents, such as the Air Force jet crash near Milestone School.
He urged journalists to apply the same rigor to their own work that they demand from the government. "News gathering is a serious responsibility," Alam said. "One mistake can spark riots and create chaos."
