Bangladesh Grapples with Misinformation Epidemic: National Dialogue Calls for Collaborative Action
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A critical national dialogue convened on Sunday to address the escalating threat of misinformation and disinformation in Bangladesh, underscoring its potential to undermine the nation’s development trajectory, erode institutional trust, and fracture social cohesion. The dialogue, titled “Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation – Challenges, Responsibilities, and the Path Forward for Development”, brought together policymakers, national experts, media leaders, and development practitioners under the Development Media Forum initiative, organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) and Oxfam in Bangladesh. The discussions focused on the pervasive nature of misinformation across key sectors, including environment, gender, economy, disaster response, and the Rohingya crisis, and emphasized the urgent need for a unified national response.
The dialogue highlighted how deliberately fabricated or misleading content, often fueled by political motivations, economic interests, or amplified by algorithms, is reshaping public narratives and perceptions on critical issues. Participants explored the multifaceted nature of the problem, recognizing that disinformation campaigns can be long-term, strategically planned, and even institutionally enabled. Speakers emphasized the need to address not only the technical aspects of misinformation but also the underlying political dynamics that allow it to flourish. This includes reclaiming space for evidence-based discussions and scientific discourse, often overshadowed by manipulative narratives. The dialogue underscored the importance of protecting the truth as a foundation for a thriving society, advocating for strengthened institutions, transparency, accountability, and collective responsibility to combat the spread of falsehoods.
High-ranking officials and experts weighed in on the urgency of the situation. Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, stressed the vital role of truth in societal progress, urging a shift away from manipulating facts for personal gain and towards strengthening institutions that serve the public interest. Kamal Ahmed, Head of the Media Reform Commission, called for coordinated action involving government bodies, media organizations, and tech platforms, backed by strong political will, emphasizing that combating disinformation is a national priority transcending the media sphere. Professor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir of the University of Dhaka pointed out the strategic and often institutionally enabled nature of disinformation campaigns targeting Bangladesh’s development narrative, urging a focus on the political dimensions of the problem alongside technical solutions.
The pervasive nature of misinformation and its impact on younger generations was highlighted, referencing a UNICEF report identifying misinformation as a leading cause of stress among youth on social media. The dialogue emphasized the urgent need for a balanced approach that preserves press freedom while simultaneously restoring public trust and promoting ethical communication. Faruk Wasif, Director General of PIB, framed the fight against falsehoods as a war where facts are the primary defense, highlighting the need for media reform not as a means of control, but as a tool to restore credibility, truth, and public accountability. He cautioned against orchestrated information campaigns targeting the Bangladeshi populace by powerful global actors and allies of deposed rulers, advocating for a response rooted in ethical journalism and national dignity.
Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, brought attention to the very real human cost of misinformation, emphasizing its impact on the lives and dignity of individuals, particularly the most vulnerable. He called for collective action to protect people from the harms of misinformation, ranging from gender-based disinformation to communal rumors. The dialogue emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among media institutions, government bodies, academia, and development actors to cultivate a healthier and more truthful information ecosystem as Bangladesh strives towards its development goals and democratic stability. Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, highlighted the potential of misinformation to escalate local issues into public crises, advocating for strengthened community dialogue, improved access to accurate information, and responsible media reporting as key solutions.
The dialogue featured a keynote presentation by Mohammad Mamun or Rashid, Assistant Professor (on lien) at Jahangirnagar University and Consultant to the ICT Division, illustrating how media and digital platforms can accelerate the spread of false content. Other prominent speakers included Fahim Ahmed, CEO of Jamuna TV, and Dr. Din M. Sumon Rahman, Professor & Dean, School of Social Science, ULAB. Key recommendations emerging from the dialogue included: establishing a national multi-stakeholder mechanism to combat mis/disinformation; integrating media literacy into educational curricula; promoting independent fact-checking within media organizations; implementing digital safety measures to protect women from AI-generated harassment; and upholding press freedom while pursuing transparent content regulation. Moderated by Md Sariful Islam, Head of Influencing, Communications, Advocacy and Media at Oxfam in Bangladesh, the dialogue fostered active engagement from leading voices in journalism, academia, and the development sector. The event underscored a growing national awareness of the dangers posed by misinformation and a commitment to finding effective solutions.