Unified action sought to counter misinformation, disinformation

Speakers at a national dialogue to address the spread of misinformation and disinformation that threatens inclusive development, institutional trust, and social cohesion. UNB

Dhaka, March 23 - As Bangladesh navigates an important phase in its development, policymakers, national experts, media leaders, and development practitioners on Sunday sought combined efforts at a national dialogue to address the spread of misinformation and disinformation that threatens inclusive development, institutional trust, and social cohesion.

The dialogue, titled “Media in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation – Challenges, Responsibilities, and the Path Forward for Development”, was organized by PIB and Oxfam in Bangladesh under the Development Media Forum initiative.

It created a platform to explore how misleading information distorts public perception across crucial sectors such as environment, gender, economy, disaster response, and the Rohingya crisis.

Speakers addressed how false or misleading content — whether politically motivated, economically driven, or algorithmically amplified — is reshaping narratives around climate change, gender rights, disaster response, economic justice, and the Rohingya crisis.

Speaking at the event, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, said, “A society can only thrive when truth is protected, not manipulated. Instead of distorting facts for political or financial gain, we must strengthen institutions to serve people with integrity. Real progress comes from transparency, accountability, and collective responsibility. Let us build a future where facts inform policy, justice leads governance, and the public interest rises above all else.”

Kamal Ahmed, Head of the Media Reform Commission, said, “Fighting disinformation cannot be left to individual efforts alone. We need coordinated action — from government, media, and tech platforms — backed by political will. This is not just a media issue; it’s a national priority.”

“False narratives around Bangladesh’s development are often long-term, strategic, and institutionally enabled. Tackling disinformation means asking political questions — not just technical ones — and reclaiming the space for scientific, truthful debate," said Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Professor, University of Dhaka

The dialogue emphasized the urgent need for coordinated responses that preserve press freedom while restoring public trust and ethical communication.

“We are at war with falsehood — and facts are our frontline defence. Media reform is not about control; it’s about restoring credibility, truth, and public accountability. An orchestrated information war is being waged against our people by powerful global actors and the allies of deposed rulers. Our response must be rooted in ethical journalism and national dignity,” said Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB)

Ashish Damle, Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, reminded the audience of the human cost of misinformation, “Misinformation isn't just a media problem — it impacts the lives and dignity of people, especially the most vulnerable. From gender-based disinformation to communal rumormongering, we must act together to protect people, not just platforms.”

As Bangladesh advances toward its development goals and democratic stability, speakers urged greater collaboration among media institutions, government, academia, and development actors to build a healthier, more truthful information ecosystem.

Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, said, “In city governance, misinformation can escalate small issues into public crises. The solution lies in strengthening community dialogue, improving access to accurate information, and ensuring responsible media reporting. Truth must start at the local level.”

In the keynote presentation, Mohammad Mamun or Rashid, Assistant Professor (on lien), Jahangirnagar University and Consultant to the ICT Division, illustrated how media and digital platforms rapidly accelerate the spread of false content. Other distinguished speakers included Fahim Ahmed, CEO of Jamuna TV and Dr Din M. Sumon Rahman, Professor & Dean, School of Social Science, ULAB.

Key Recommendations from the Dialogue included: establishing a national multi-stakeholder mechanism to tackle misinformation and disinformation; integrating media literacy into school and university curricula; promoting independent, in-house fact-checking in media houses; enacting digital safety mechanisms to protect women from AI-generated harassment; 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 saw active participation from leading voices in journalism, academia, and development. - UNB