Md Masud Alam Sagar, Bureau Chief, Chattogram Division

Chattogram District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah has urged people not to believe or immediately react to information found on social media without first verifying its authenticity.

He said reactions based on false or misleading information could harm individuals, institutions or groups.

The district commissioner made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion held at the conference room of Chattogram Circuit House on Monday (September 28) to mark International Right to Know Day. The Chattogram district administration organised the event under the theme, “Ensuring Accurate Information in the Digital Age: The Role of the Right to Information in Preventing Misinformation.” Additional District Commissioner (General) Md Sharif Uddin chaired the programme.

Zahidul Islam Miah said many people believe information circulated on social media without checking whether it is accurate. Negative information, in particular, tends to spread rapidly. If such information is false, the person or institution concerned may suffer social and even family-related consequences, he said.

“Reacting to something on social media takes just a second. But we need to consider what the actual situation is, whether the information is accurate and whether our reaction could harm someone,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of checking both the authenticity and context of information, the DC said decisions or actions based on false information could create new adverse situations. Therefore, people should use reason, conscience and judgment when receiving information and responding to it.

Highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in government services, he said the scope for concealing information is decreasing in the digital age. Government officials and employees must perform their duties with transparency and efficiency, he said. At the same time, he noted that confidential information related to national security must be protected in accordance with laws and policies.

Speaking about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, the district commissioner said technology could help reduce personal bias in various areas. He cited traffic management and surveillance as examples.

He also said initiatives were underway to install AI-powered cameras at various locations in Chattogram.

However, despite the growing use of technology, human conscience, wisdom and humanitarian values cannot be replaced, Zahidul Islam Miah said.

He stressed responsible behaviour and making decisions based on accurate information rather than blaming one another to ensure people’s rights, safety and peace.