Ensure accurate info for all during public health crisis: Webinar

Speakers at the webinar said that the right to information is a fundamental human right and the need for accurate information is even greater in a public health crisis.

They made the call while addressing a webinar – Citizens’ Right to Information during Public Health

Crisis – organised by Article 19 on the occasion of International Day for Universal Access to Information, on Wednesday.

The speakers also said that information on public health emergencies during a pandemic must not be kept hidden from the public

and genuine information helps make people aware and also helps them to prepare themselves during a crisis period.

Faruq Faisel, regional director for Article 19 South Asia, presided over the webinar.

Dr Mushtaq Hossain, adviser at the Institute of Epidemiology at the Disease Control and Research (IEDCR); Dr Sumon Rahman, professor and director at the Office of Faculty Research at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB); Mithila Farzana,

current affairs editor at Ekattor Television; and Rozina Islam, senior staff reporter at Prothom Alo, also addressed the webinar presided by Faruq Faisel, Regional Director for ARTICLE 19 South Asia.

Sumon Rahman, professor of journalism at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh said, “The pandemic is not only a public health crisis, but also a crisis of accurate information. Providing disinformation is also a violation of human rights.”

Meanwhile, Faruq Faisel said, “There is a lack of awareness and capacity of journalists in public health reporting in Bangladesh. Many did not know how to report in a pandemic while keeping them safe. The capacity of journalists on these areas should be increased.”