Dhaka Seminar Underscores Urgent Need for Multi-Dimensional Approach to Combat Disinformation
DHAKA, Bangladesh – A high-level seminar held at the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) has brought into sharp focus the escalating threat of disinformation and propaganda, particularly in the digital realm. The seminar, titled “Resilience in the Information Domain: Tools to Address Misinformation and Disinformation on Social Media,” drew a diverse audience of military officials, government representatives, academics, media professionals, and students, all united by the common goal of understanding and combating the pervasive influence of false information. Lt. Gen. (retd) Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Defence and National Reconciliation Affairs, delivered a stark warning, characterizing disinformation as a weapon potentially more dangerous than missiles in the modern era. He stressed the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to counter this threat, emphasizing the importance of establishing truth as a national strength.
Hafiz’s remarks painted a vivid picture of future conflicts, suggesting that the opening salvos of tomorrow’s wars might not be fired from conventional weaponry, but rather launched through viral videos or fabricated news reports. In this new battleground of information, the power of a single post or online narrative to manipulate public opinion and incite unrest can surpass even the destructive capabilities of traditional military hardware. He urged attendees to adopt a critical mindset, questioning the veracity of information before sharing it on social media platforms. Furthermore, he called for the development of indigenous fact-checking mechanisms, research into AI-driven solutions to combat deep fakes, and the integration of media literacy education into both military and civilian curricula.
Lt. Gen. Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies to ensure accurate information in the digital age. He emphasized the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, integrated technological development, and practical implementation of counter-disinformation strategies. The seminar’s emphasis on a comprehensive approach reflects the growing recognition that technological solutions alone are insufficient to address the complex challenge of disinformation. Effective countermeasures require a synergistic combination of technology, policy, and public awareness initiatives.
The seminar featured a keynote address by Professor Dr. Mohammad Abu Yousuf, Vice Chancellor of the University of Frontier Technology, Bangladesh, setting the stage for a robust discussion among a panel of experts. Participants included prominent academics and military officials specializing in media, communication, and cybersecurity, including Dr. SM Shameem Reza from the University of Dhaka and Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman from MIST’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The diverse expertise represented on the panel underscored the multi-faceted nature of the disinformation challenge and the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate its impact.
The discussions delved into the detrimental effects of disinformation and propaganda on social media, exploring the methods employed to spread misinformation and manipulate public discourse. The speakers emphasized the urgency of technological innovation, targeted policy formulation, and widespread awareness campaigns as essential components of an effective counter-disinformation strategy. They advocated for a deeper understanding of the strategies and objectives employed by purveyors of disinformation, coupled with the development of proactive and multi-dimensional countermeasures to neutralize their influence.
From a military perspective, participants recognized social media as a strategic threat, emphasizing the need for immediate action, institutional capacity building, and comprehensive training to counter disinformation campaigns effectively. The discussions highlighted the potential of social media platforms to be weaponized for malicious purposes, including undermining morale, spreading discord, and influencing public opinion to destabilize nations. The seminar served as a platform for exploring strategies to bolster resilience against such threats, emphasizing the importance of media literacy, critical thinking, and robust fact-checking mechanisms. The overall message conveyed a sense of urgency, emphasizing the need for proactive and collaborative efforts to protect the integrity of information and safeguard democratic processes. The seminar’s concluding remarks expressed optimism that the discussions would significantly contribute to raising awareness within both military and civilian sectors, fostering a more stable and trustworthy information environment and equipping individuals with the skills to navigate the complexities of the digital age responsibly.