BSS-49 Registration of online news portals begins : Hasan

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BSS-49

HASAN-ONLINE-PORTAL-REGISTRATION

Registration of online news portals begins : Hasan

DHAKA, July 30, 2020 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said that the long-awaited registration of online news portals began today, calling on the media outlets to portray positive aspects of the country to help the new generation face the future challenges.

“The registration of the online news portals is a continuous process. The online news portals which have received no objections from the government will be allowed for initial registration. And a list would be published on the ministry’s website,” he said.

The information minister was talking to the journalists at a briefing at the seminar room of the information ministry at Secretariat here.

Information Secretary Kamrun Nahar, Joint Secretary SM Mahfuzul Haque and senior officials of the ministry, among others, were present in the programme.

The information minister said names of many established online news portals may not appear in the list that would be uploaded on the website today. “But, there are no negative reports against those portals. Actually, we didn’t get reports about those news portals till now. So, there is reason for worry and disappointment. Registrations would be given in phases after getting no objection reports. This is a continuous process,” he added.

Hasan said many news portals often publish wrong and untrue news in their competition with other portals. “At the same time, we also see that some online news portals have deliberately engaged in spreading rumors, assassinating characters and inciting communal tensions. The investigation is being held keeping all these issues in view,” he added.

The information minister said steps would be taken against those news portals which have ‘negative reports’ and the ministry is giving registration to the online news portals based on the reports.

He said the online news portals are playing a pivotal role to reach the latest news to the people in this era of free flow of information. People could get news on their mobile phones by using mobile data or wifi connection and this is a big positive aspect, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

Hasan said, “We can make the best use of the positive aspects for the benefit of the new generation in combating future challenges and shaping the country and society as well. And the government is working to this end.”

BSS/ASG/PSB/KU/2041 HRS