Rumor and disinformation are two terrible terms. They are spread by the ominous forces in different critical situations.They spoil order and peace differently. Rumor means the mysterious attempt of spreading unverified or fake information regarding any sensitive topic intentionally or unintentionally. On the other hand, disinformation is an unethical and baseless step of scandalising others’ characters willingly. Both rumor (rumour) and disinformation are strictly forbidden in Islam religion. A vicious circle, another name of a group of devils, is found in every human society. One of the dirtiest aims of a vicious circle is to create anarchy everywhere. Rumor and disinformation are two deadly and hateful steps of spoiling dissidents and rivals’ characters to others. They are also spread through the unsafe and fake online IDs. A vicious circle is seen more active in natural calamities or ahead of different kinds of elections to fulfill its evil purposes. Rumors and disinformation are unethical and destructive. Disinformation is more destructive than rumor. According to different media reports, the supporters of different political parties and the people of rival groups are largely involved in these unethical activities to satisfy their ominous objectives. Besides, some educated people are seen spreading rumors online. That’s why, law enforcement agencies should always monitor the social media platforms to identify the ominous forces. Besides, the letterless and unconscious people are used by the ominous forces to promote rumors and disinformation locally. It is a matter of concern that the ominous forces often use AI tools to stigmatize their opponents’ characters online. With the passage of time, the uses and misuses of modern technologies are increasing. According to the Holy Quran, it is our bounden duty to justify received information. Otherwise, we have to suffer much in the long run. Bangladesh is a wonderful country of vast possibility. We should not give the ominous forces the chance of destroying this possibility of unthinkable progress. For this reason, we have to work together for the welfare of our country and countrymen forgetting past. Otherwise, both our generation and future generation will fall in danger. We should have a pure intention to serve our country because to serve any county without a good will is quite impossible. As a Bangladeshi columnist, I believe that positive thinking is another instance of excellent personality. Hypocrisy and patriotism are not same. Hypocrisy is one of the major causes of human downfall. Conversely, patriotism is a great means of getting unthinkable love and respect from the people of different ages. We should remember that rumors and disinformation can easily break the friendly relationship among human beings because they have terrible and destructive sides. AI tools have made our lives easy and comfortable but it is also true that human beings are facing unexpected situations and problems because of the misuses of modern technologies. If we are capable of stopping the harmful sides of modern technologies, our society and country will be more peaceful without delay. It is a matter of deep anxiety that the irresponsible and dishonest journalists or reporters of mass media often promote rumors and disinformation all over the world to get financial support and other attractive advantages from the ominous forces according to different media reports. It is also true that there are many honest, brave, dutiful, talented and active journalists in our country who are fighting against the horrible conspiracy of the ominous forces through writings. The owners and editors of mass media have also the responsibility to prevent rumors and disinformation by emphasizing objectivity.
This columnist conducted an interview with Dr. SM Farhad Hossain, Superintendent of Police (SP), Kishoreganj District, to understand the stance of Bangladesh Police regarding rumors and disinformation. Farhad Hossain said, “The Bangladesh Police is sincerely working against rumors and disinformation. We carefully analyze received information about rumors or disinformation and take lawful action immediately. Besides, everyone should work to prevent rumors and disinformation, being motivated by patriotism. Moreover, the Bangladesh Police is alert enough to prevent rumors and disinformation from misleading the human society. The Bangladesh Police will also be more proactive ahead of the upcoming national election.” We can also take the help of Rumor Scanner Bangladesh (briefly Rumor Scanner), the leading fact-checking organization in Bangladesh if we find the existence of rumors, misinformation and disinformation online. Rumor Scanner Bangladesh works with a mission to combat fake news and make the internet safer according to its website. Besides, it has already launched a WhatsApp helpline (+8801751-589458) where conscious citizens can send posts, videos, and news links to be fact-checked. It will be easier to stop rumors, misinformation and disinformation permanently if the following proposals are taken into consideration by the relevant authorities : 1. Confirm the original documents of online account users before making any online account active. 2. Make the fact-checking system easy and understandable to all netizens. 3. Form more effective monitoring cells to identify rumors and disinformation. 4. Create public awareness regularly against rumours and disinformation. 5. Cancel the registration and approval of mass media if mass media promote rumors and disinformation. 6. Check the relevant documents before publishing any news against any person or institution. 7. Deactivate the unsafe and fake accounts on the social media platforms as soon as possible. 8. Take more effective steps against rumours and disinformation. 9. Ensure the accountability of the concerned authorities in due time. 10. Follow the instructions of the Holy Quran properly to prevent rumors, misinformation and disinformation because there are the solutions to all the human problems or drawbacks in the Holy Quran. 11. Implement the rule of law for all. As a Muslim columnist, I can’t support rumors, misinformation and disinformation. So, it is high time to take necessary steps against rumors, misinformation and disinformation. Otherwise, we shall fall in unthinkable danger in near future.