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Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus has called on the United Nations for assistance in combating a wave of misinformation threatening to disrupt the country’s upcoming February 12 elections, according to official statements released Tuesday.
During a telephone conversation with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, Yunus expressed concern over what he described as “a flood of misinformation surrounding the elections” originating from both foreign media outlets and domestic sources.
“They have flooded social media with fake news, rumors and speculation,” Yunus said, according to a post from the official X account of Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser. “We are concerned about the impact this may have on the elections.”
Turk acknowledged the severity of the problem, offering support from the UN human rights office to address what he characterized as a growing challenge. “There is a lot of misinformation. We will do whatever is needed,” Turk responded, pledging that the UN rights agency would collaborate closely with Bangladesh to address these concerns.
The conversation comes at a critical juncture for Bangladesh, which has been led by an interim government since August 2023, following the resignation of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid mass protests. Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for pioneering microcredit and founding Grameen Bank, was appointed to lead the caretaker administration through the transition period.
The spread of misinformation has become a significant concern for electoral processes worldwide, with social media platforms often serving as vectors for false narratives that can influence voter behavior and undermine confidence in democratic institutions. Bangladesh, with its complex political landscape and history of electoral tensions, appears particularly vulnerable to such challenges.
Beyond electoral misinformation, the two leaders discussed several critical governance issues, including a planned referendum, institutional reform initiatives, and the activities of the Enforced Disappearance Commission, which is investigating cases of alleged forced disappearances during what Yunus referred to as “the autocratic regime from 2009 to 2024” — the period largely corresponding to Hasina’s administration.
Yunus informed Turk that he had shared the Commission’s final report with the UN human rights office, describing it as a “crucial document” for establishing accountability and delivering justice to victims.
The conversation also addressed the reconstitution of Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), with Turk emphasizing the importance of creating “a truly independent” body to continue work related to enforced disappearances. Yunus confirmed that the NHRC ordinance has already been promulgated and that a new commission would be established before the February elections.
“We will do it before we leave,” Yunus assured, highlighting the interim government’s commitment to institutional reform ahead of the transition to an elected administration.
The dialogue reflects broader challenges facing Bangladesh’s democratic transition, as the country attempts to address human rights concerns from previous administrations while ensuring free and fair elections in an environment increasingly complicated by digital misinformation.
International observers will be watching closely to see how effectively Bangladesh and its UN partners can counter false information in the lead-up to the February vote, which represents a critical test for the country’s democratic institutions following a period of political upheaval.
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14 Comments
Concerning to hear about the threat of misinformation ahead of Bangladesh’s elections. The UN’s involvement will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent process. Vigilance is key to combat the spread of false narratives.
Agreed, the UN’s support is critical. Protecting the integrity of the democratic process should be the top priority.
It’s encouraging to see Bangladesh taking proactive steps to combat the threat of misinformation. The UN’s involvement will be crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. I hope they can provide effective strategies and resources.
The UN’s involvement in addressing Bangladesh’s misinformation concerns is a positive step. Maintaining public trust in the electoral process is vital for the country’s democratic stability. I hope the UN can provide effective support.
Agreed. The UN must leverage its resources and expertise to empower Bangladeshi authorities in combating online disinformation.
The surge of misinformation ahead of Bangladesh’s elections is deeply concerning. I commend the interim leader for reaching out to the UN for help in addressing this challenge. Maintaining public trust in the electoral process is vital for democracy.
Absolutely. The UN must respond decisively to Bangladesh’s request and work closely with local authorities to counter the spread of false narratives.
Bangladesh’s call for UN assistance in combating misinformation ahead of elections is understandable. Protecting the integrity of the democratic process should be a top priority for the international community.
It’s encouraging to see Bangladesh’s interim leader reaching out to the UN for help in dealing with the misinformation threat. Tackling the spread of false narratives will be crucial for ensuring free and fair elections.
The threat of misinformation is a serious challenge that can undermine the credibility of elections. Bangladesh is right to seek support from the UN to address this issue. I hope the UN can provide effective strategies and resources.
Agreed. The UN’s involvement is crucial in ensuring a level playing field and safeguarding the will of the Bangladeshi people.
The surge of misinformation is a worrying trend that can undermine the credibility of elections. Bangladesh is right to seek UN assistance in addressing this challenge. Transparent and fact-based reporting is essential for a healthy democracy.
Absolutely. The UN must take a proactive stance in helping Bangladesh combat online disinformation campaigns.
Misinformation campaigns can have a corrosive effect on the democratic process. Bangladesh’s request for UN assistance is a prudent move to protect the integrity of their upcoming elections. I hope the UN can provide the necessary support.