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

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

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organised by the Chattogram district administration at the conference room of Chattogram Circuit House on Monday, marking International Right to Know Day.

The discussion was titled ‘Ensuring accurate information in the digital age: Role of right to information in preventing misinformation’. Additional District Commissioner (General) Md Sharif Uddin chaired the programme.

Zahidul Islam said many people believe information circulated on social media without checking whether it is true. Negative information, in particular, quickly attracts public attention. If such information is false, however, the person or institution concerned may suffer social and personal harm.

The district commissioner said it takes only a second to react to something on social media, but people should consider whether the information is accurate, what the actual situation is and whether anyone could be harmed by their reaction.

He stressed the importance of checking the authenticity and context of information before responding, saying actions based on false information could trigger counter-reactions and cause harm to the parties concerned.

Referring to examples from history of information being used for state and group interests, Zahidul Islam Mia said information plays an important role in decision-making, while false or deliberately misleading information can also create major crises.

He said the importance of verifying information has increased further in the digital and social media era.

Emphasising transparency and accountability in government work, the district commissioner said there is less scope to hide things in the digital age. Government officials and employees must therefore perform their duties with transparency and efficiency.

He also stressed that confidential information related to national security must be protected in accordance with laws and policies, while citizens should have access to information concerning their rights, security and interests.

He said both government officials and citizens have responsibilities in establishing a transparent society.

Speaking about the use of artificial intelligence and technology, Zahidul Islam Mia said technology-driven systems can reduce the influence of personal preferences and bias in many areas. He cited the use of technology in traffic management and surveillance as examples.

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

However, he said technology could not replace human conscience, wisdom and humanitarian values. If people perform their duties lawfully and impartially, there would be less need for excessive reliance on technology.

Zahidul Islam urged people to focus on ensuring rights, security and peace instead of blaming one another. He also called for people to use reason, conscience and judgement rather than emotion or blind following when receiving information and responding on social media.