Dhaka: Underscoring the need for avoiding fake news, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam has urged the politicians and journalists to come forward for the country’s development, reports the UNB.

He came up with the call on Tuesday while addressing as the chief guest a function arranged by Rajshahi Divisional Journalists’ Association at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy marking its founding anniversary.

If the politicians and journalists maintain their professionalism, the country can reach its development goal, the state minister said, urging all to invest more in investigative reports.

‘I’ll appreciate if a journalist files a true report even if it goes against me. But some media outlets get easily fooled,’ he said adding that even fake news stories are taking place in television scrolls and these must be avoided.

Chairman of news agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Amanullah Khan said Bangladesh is united from Teknaf to Tetulia. ‘This is our identity. There’re some specific characteristics of each region. We need to maintain and protect those characteristics.’

He said they are trying to present Bangladesh positively before the world. ‘There has been much negative publicity and it’s still going on. We need to highlight positive sides in the media. Fake news is coming fast. We need to avoid those fake stories. We need to report maintaining objectivity.’

Fake news must be eliminated and real news must be presented, the UNB Chairman said, adding that truth will prevail in the long run.

He also said UNB is ready to provide any type of assistance for objective journalism.

Central Executive Committee member of Awami League Prof Merina Akter Jahan and Rajshahi Divisional Journalists’ Association General Secretary Alamgir Hossain were also present at the ceremony with association President Khairuzzaman Kamal in the chair.