Advisor Mahfuz Alam has warned that the spread of fake social media pages using logos of established news outlets reflects a deeper “crisis of trust in society.”

He noted that in the past 15 years, public confidence in the media has eroded. Ahead of the upcoming national election, Mahfuz assured that the government will take all necessary steps to prevent violence.

Calling for responsible journalism, he said: “If journalists stand firm for their rights, no government can interfere in their profession. Journalism must serve the people, not any group.”

Mahfuz also criticized the Election Commission for not consulting the Information Ministry while drafting media guidelines and linked the rise of mob violence to irresponsible media practices. He urged online journalists to act responsibly, stressing that the media has a vital role in preventing post-election violence.