BMPCA Urges Govt to Tackle Rumors On Facebook

The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers' Association (BMPCA) has called on the government to take action against rumors on social media platforms, Facebook and YouTube.

In a statement sent to the media on Sunday morning (December 1), the organization, which advocates for mobile phone consumers' rights, made this request.

The association's president, Mohiuddin Ahmed, stated that after the fall of the Awami League government and the formation of an interim government, rumors have been spreading on social media, especially on Facebook and YouTube, both domestically and internationally. These rumors and provocative content are creating instability and disorder in the country, which is obstructing investment and hindering the country’s business and economic development.

He urged the government to take necessary measures to prevent provocative content on Facebook and YouTube to address this situation. He also mentioned that some media outlets in neighboring countries are spreading baseless and provocative news on YouTube channels, which is a threat to national security and order. Therefore, the government should take effective steps to block such content.

In the statement, the president of the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers' Association also suggested several measures for the government to consider, including launching awareness campaigns, creating credible sources of information (government data repositories), forming rapid response teams to address rumors quickly, and strengthening the role of the media.

He emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders such as BTRC, NTMC, MNOs, ISPAB, IIJS, and others to raise awareness on these issues.