Disinformation: A Modern Threat to National Security and Development
In a world increasingly shaped by the rapid flow of information, the weaponization of disinformation poses a grave threat to national security and sustainable development. This was the central message delivered by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan at a high-level seminar titled “Advancing National Security and Development: Use of Information as a Powerful Strategic Tool,” co-hosted by the National Defence College (NDC) and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) in Dhaka on June 18, 2025. Hasan argued that disinformation, much like a psychological weapon, can erode trust, sow discord, and undermine national unity. She emphasized the urgent need to combat this insidious threat through a multi-pronged approach grounded in facts, trust-building, and proactive communication.
Hasan drew a parallel between contemporary disinformation campaigns and the historical manipulation of information that led to the fall of Bengal in the Battle of Plassey in 1757. She warned that the lessons of Plassey remain relevant today, serving as a stark reminder of how distorted narratives and betrayal can jeopardize national sovereignty and progress. Just as misinformation played a crucial role in weakening Bengal’s defenses centuries ago, today’s disinformation campaigns can destabilize nations, fracture societies, and hamper development efforts. The adviser stressed that confronting this challenge requires a collective commitment to truth and a robust defense against manipulated narratives.
The adviser also highlighted the climate crisis as a critical security challenge facing Bangladesh, a nation particularly vulnerable to the impacts of sea-level rise and extreme weather events. She emphasized the need for strategic investments in real-time data infrastructure and localized early warning systems to enhance the country’s resilience to climate-related disasters. Furthermore, she advocated for integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches, noting instances where local communities, armed with inherited wisdom, had predicted flash floods more accurately than sophisticated models. This underscores the importance of valuing local knowledge and incorporating it into disaster preparedness strategies.
Transparency and the protection of whistleblowers emerged as key themes in Hasan’s address. She cautioned against the dangers of withholding vital information and penalizing those who bring critical issues to light. Suppression of truth, she argued, weakens national resilience, while empowering citizens with facts and the freedom to speak strengthens it. A transparent and accountable system, where individuals feel safe to expose wrongdoing, is essential for building a resilient and just society. Hasan’s call for transparency reflects a growing recognition of the vital role whistleblowers play in safeguarding public interest and holding power accountable.
The seminar, attended by senior military officials, diplomats, academics, and development professionals, underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing the complex challenges posed by disinformation. Hasan urged all stakeholders – government agencies, the military, media, civil society, and the international community – to recognize information as both a strategic resource and a shared responsibility. The effective management and dissemination of information, she argued, is crucial for national security, sustainable development, and democratic governance. This collaborative approach is essential for navigating the complexities of the information age and ensuring that information serves as a tool for progress, not a weapon of manipulation.
In her concluding remarks, Hasan reiterated that a secure, inclusive, and forward-looking Bangladesh can only be built on a foundation of truth, unity, and informed action. This vision necessitates a commitment to combating disinformation, fostering transparency, empowering citizens with accurate information, and embracing a culture of shared responsibility. The seminar served as a timely platform for dialogue and collaboration, bringing together diverse voices to address the critical issue of information as a strategic tool in the 21st century. The discussions and insights shared at the event are expected to inform future strategies and policies aimed at strengthening national security and promoting sustainable development in Bangladesh.