Disinformation Poses Major Challenge in Election, Says EC Secretary

European Union Officials Meet with Bangladesh Election Commission to Discuss Upcoming Parliamentary Polls

In a significant development ahead of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, senior election officials have identified disinformation and misinformation as the primary challenges facing the electoral process. The statement came during discussions with a European Union delegation that visited the Election Building in Agargaon on Tuesday.

Senior Secretary of the Election Commission (EC) Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed spoke with journalists following the meeting, outlining the commission’s concerns and preparations for the upcoming polls scheduled for mid-February.

“They wanted to know what our major challenge is at this moment. We reiterated what we have been saying from the beginning—that disinformation or misinformation is the biggest challenge in the election,” Ahmed told reporters. He emphasized that the commission is actively working to address these issues and bring the situation to “a respectable level.”

The EC has taken concrete steps to combat false information circulating ahead of the election, including direct discussions with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Rather than implementing broad measures such as reducing internet speeds, which could affect the entire population, the commission has requested Meta’s assistance in removing specific problematic content.

“Instead of reducing internet speed or adopting other measures, we have requested them to remove satirical, aggressive and disinformation-driven content,” Ahmed explained, highlighting a targeted approach to dealing with online falsehoods.

Security arrangements for the upcoming election were also a topic of discussion with the EU delegation. Ahmed confirmed that the Bangladesh Army will be deployed for seven days during the election period, while Ansar forces, a paramilitary auxiliary force, will be present for eight days. Both police and military personnel, though already performing routine duties across the country, will operate under a special deployment plan specifically designed for the electoral process.

The commission has established a structured system for addressing complaints from political parties, directing them to submit grievances to local Electoral Inquiry and Adjudication Committees. These committees are designed to handle disputes and ensure fair treatment of all parties involved in the electoral process.

Ahmed also confirmed that all forms of electioneering will be suspended from 7:30 am on February 10, which marks 48 hours before polling begins. This standard practice aims to provide a cooling-off period before citizens cast their votes.

In a noteworthy development, the EC Secretary mentioned that members of the Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC) will assist with election-related duties, adding another layer to the comprehensive security and logistical arrangements being put in place.

The meeting with EU officials underscores the international interest in Bangladesh’s democratic processes. The European Union has historically sent election observation missions to Bangladesh and other countries in the region to monitor electoral practices and support democratic institutions.

The focus on disinformation reflects a growing global concern about the impact of false information on democratic processes. In recent years, elections worldwide have faced challenges from coordinated disinformation campaigns, often spread through social media platforms. Bangladesh’s proactive engagement with technology companies like Meta indicates an awareness of these modern challenges to electoral integrity.

As Bangladesh approaches this crucial election, the EC’s acknowledgment of disinformation as the primary challenge signals both the evolving nature of electoral threats and the commission’s commitment to addressing them through targeted, collaborative approaches.