‘If election crisis persists, BD will fall back 50 years’
Staff Correspondent :
Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) Director General Faruk Wasif has warned that Bangladesh could fall back by at least 50 years if the ongoing election crisis is not resolved. He said the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election is not just another election, but one that will determine the future direction of the country.
He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural session of a two-day training workshop on election-time journalism for journalists of Narayanganj district. The workshop was held at the Hanif Khan Auditorium of the Narayanganj Press Club.
The event was chaired by Narayanganj Press Club President and Daily Amar Desh staff reporter Abu Saud Masud, and moderated by General Secretary Afzal Hossain Ponti. Among those present were Information and Broadcasting Ministry Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, PIB Assistant Editor Shahela Akter, and Independent Media Editor and freelance journalist Sharmeen Rinvi.
Faruk Wasif said the role and responsibility of journalists during elections are extremely sensitive. A single piece of misinformation or an unguarded report can trigger serious crises. He particularly stressed the need for greater caution in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism.
“Even a small mistake can lead to major consequences. Law and order may deteriorate and social instability may emerge,” he said.
He added that through a peaceful and credible election, Bangladesh can enter a new chapter of democracy by learning from the experiences of the July movement. “We are breathing today because of the sacrifices of the July fighters. We must repay that debt through a fair and credible election,” he said.
Warning of severe consequences if the election crisis continues, Faruk Wasif said, “If this crisis is not resolved, Bangladesh will fall back by at least another 50 years. What Bangladesh will look like in the future largely depends on this election.”
Speakers at the event said election-time journalism is not merely about gathering and publishing news, but a vital component of safeguarding democracy. Journalists must strengthen public trust through fact-checking, neutrality, and the use of responsible language.
Organizers said the two-day training workshop ended sessions on election-related laws, codes of conduct, combating misinformation, security risks, and ethical journalism.
