Addressing the Root Causes of Disinformation Campaigns

In the run-up to Bangladesh’s national election, the government has intensified efforts to combat the proliferation of disinformation and misleading content on social media platforms, a growing challenge that threatens the integrity of the electoral process.

A significant amendment to the Representation of People Ordinance (RPO) has introduced Section 73(A), which explicitly designates the deliberate creation and dissemination of misleading information as a corrupt practice subject to punishment. This measure aims to prevent actors from using manipulated images, videos, or other content to influence electoral outcomes.

In parallel, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has established a specialized monitoring cell focused on scrutinizing online and social media platforms to detect and counter fake information before it can spread widely.

While these regulatory measures represent a concrete step toward addressing the issue, critics have raised concerns about potential overreach. They argue that without sufficient transparency and impartial implementation, legal actions could potentially stifle legitimate speech. Many experts advocate for a more comprehensive approach that extends beyond punitive measures to effectively combat misinformation.

The surge in fake news during political campaigns has become a global phenomenon, not unique to Bangladesh. Social media algorithms, designed to maximize user engagement, often create what experts term “echo chambers” – digital environments where users are predominantly exposed to views that align with their existing beliefs. This selective information exposure deepens political polarization and social fragmentation.

“People in echo chambers hold similar views and ideas and are drawn to information that supports their existing beliefs, creating a biased sense of identity,” notes social media researcher Farida Rahman at Dhaka University. “Every click is monetized by platforms and content creators, creating financial incentives for divisive content.”

This growing polarization poses a critical challenge to social cohesion in Bangladesh during its political transition. Social cohesion – the bonds connecting societal actors and institutions – is increasingly recognized by policymakers as fundamental to sustainable economic growth and development.

At the recent Second World Summit for Social Development held in Qatar in November 2025, global leaders acknowledged the urgent need to address structural causes of social challenges, particularly poverty, unemployment, and exclusion. The resulting Doha Political Declaration emphasized that poverty eradication, employment promotion, and social integration are interdependent goals requiring simultaneous pursuit.

Bangladesh has made notable progress on several social development indicators. Non-governmental organizations have successfully facilitated income-generating activities among marginalized populations, particularly women. The country has also achieved rapid digital and financial inclusion through mobile telecommunications services.

However, employment generation remains troublingly slow. The Labour Force Survey 2024 reveals particularly high unemployment rates among educated youth. This lack of opportunity, combined with widening wealth inequality, has fueled widespread discontent and diminished trust in institutions.

“Escalation of disinformation on social media is more an effect than a cause of this widespread discontent,” explains economist Dr. Rahman Chowdhury. “When people feel left behind economically, they become more susceptible to misleading narratives that validate their grievances.”

The roots of fake news proliferation are complex, with low information literacy often cited as a primary factor. Partisan political viewpoints and declining institutional trust further amplify the problem by creating fertile ground for misleading content to spread rapidly.

Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires more than just regulatory measures. Policymakers, researchers, and civil society need to collaborate to understand Bangladesh’s social relationships and institutional interactions more deeply. This understanding could help strengthen positive manifestations of trust and cooperation while enhancing institutional efficiency.

“We need to recognize that technical solutions alone won’t solve what is fundamentally a social and educational challenge,” notes media literacy advocate Tahmina Ahmed. “Building critical thinking skills across the population must accompany any regulatory framework.”

As Bangladesh approaches its electoral crossroads, the battle against misinformation represents not just a technical challenge but a test of the nation’s institutional resilience and social fabric – one that will require sustained attention well beyond election day.