The government wants to work in a more focused way to detect rumours and ensure the credible flow of information to mass people, says State Minister for Information Tarana Halim.

"It [keeping people away from rumours] has now become a demand of the time," she told UNB in an interview recently explaining how mere a rumour sometimes appears as 'credible' information to mass people causing a big harm to society.

The State Minister said they will work in a more organised way through recently formed social media rumour detection and monitoring cell to help people stay away from rumours.

Responding to a question, she said a process had started before she joined the Information Ministry over registration of online newspapers.

The applications for registration of online portals have been sent to the Home Ministry for further evaluation and the government will give the approval after proper evaluation.

"Once the registration process is done, we can say these are the approved online newspapers," Tarana said adding that it will be individual's matter if she or he believes the news of unapproved online newspapers.

In response to another question, the State Minister said the full digitisation of state-owned television BTV is underway to further improve the quality of programmes and contents.

"We're trying to look at BTV in a holistic approach," Tarana said adding that BTV will emerge as a better platform with quality programmes through required changes.

The State Minister said they are trying to be more "brief but informative" while disseminating information to mass people through BTV in a faster way.

Talking about her election plan, Tarana said she will contest the upcoming national election but prefer party decision rather than coming up with her personal one.

"I'll contest. I'm working....but I'm ready to work for party election symbol under the directive of the Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina)," she said adding that she has been working honestly for the last nine years.

The State Minister wished a great 2019 for Bangladesh, for the pro-liberation forces and for a country to be fully free from militancy.

Tarana who got involved in politics in student life said student leaders have many positive roles to play beyond politics. "It'll be good if there's cohesion between social activities and politics."

The State Minister said the values, she maintains, are the best achievements in her life. "I want to walk straight way. I get hurt if anybody wants to buy my principles."

Tarana, a former actress, said she had to leave acting while setting priorities from multiple areas of engagement.

Earlier, she served as the state minister of the Post and Telecommunications Division under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.