Sylhet, Broadcasting News Corporation: A seminar titled ‘The Role of Media Personnel in the Upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and Referendum’ was held in the hall of the National Women’s Organization in Moulvibazar. The seminar, organized by the Sylhet Regional Information Office (PID) on Thursday (08 January 2026), was attended by Moulvibazar District Commissioner Towhiduzzaman Pavel as the chief guest.

In his speech, the chief guest said that the role of the media is extremely important to ensure free, fair, and acceptable elections. The media can play a major role in raising public awareness by presenting truthful and accurate information. During national parliamentary elections and referendums, responsible journalism helps gain the trust of the people.

He also stated that journalists need to be more conscious in preventing propaganda and promoting accurate information. Through their writing, journalists should curb rumors spreading on social media. Mainstream journalists must remain vigilant so that no one can create any form of disorder in society by spreading rumors. Awareness is needed on every important public issue.
Regarding the importance of the referendum, the District Commissioner said that if one wants change in the country, all citizens should participate in the referendum. He commented that the aspirations of the July mass uprising would be realized through the referendum. He pledged that, like the rest of the country, the administration in Moulvibazar will work with everyone to ensure a transparent, impartial, and credible election and referendum. During an open discussion, journalists thanked the Regional Information Office for organizing the seminar and stated that the media will play an active role in encouraging participation in the upcoming election and referendum. Journalists said that if they are provided with a proper working environment and security, they will be able to convey the message of the referendum accurately to the general public. At the same time, they called on the District Commissioner for full cooperation with mainstream journalists, in addition to urging the government to take centralized measures to prevent rumors on social media. The seminar was presided over by Md. Akikur Reza, Information Officer of the Regional Information Office in Sylhet. Additional Police Superintendent Asif Mohiuddin and District Information Officer Md. Anwar Hossain spoke as special guests.