CEC Urges 24/7 Monitoring to Counter AI Misinformation

Bangladesh’s Election Commission Mobilizes Against AI Misinformation Ahead of National Polls

Chief Election Commissioner A M M Nasir Uddin has called upon experts to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to combat artificial intelligence-driven misinformation as Bangladesh prepares for its upcoming national elections. Speaking at a seminar in Dhaka on Tuesday, Nasir Uddin emphasized the need for a comprehensive 24-hour monitoring system to address what he described as a growing global challenge.

“AI misuse has become a global challenge. Like any tool, it can be used for both good and bad purposes. A doctor might use it to save lives, while a criminal could use it to commit crimes,” the CEC stated at the event held at the Election Training Institute in Agargaon.

The seminar, titled “Integration of Artificial Intelligence in the Upcoming National Parliament Election to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation,” brought together election officials and technology experts. Organized by the Election Commission’s IDEA and CBEATP projects, the event was attended by all five election commissioners, underscoring the significance the body places on addressing digital threats to electoral integrity.

Nasir Uddin revealed that the Election Commission is actively working to leverage AI technology itself as a countermeasure against potential misuse, with the goal of enhancing transparency throughout the electoral process. He stressed that the monitoring system must function continuously to effectively identify and address false information.

“This will be a round-the-clock effort,” he noted, emphasizing the necessity for rapid verification processes, clear operational protocols, and seamless coordination among relevant government agencies. The CEC specifically requested detailed proposals on the structure and staffing requirements of an information verification cell, including personnel numbers, required qualifications, and coordination methodologies.

A particular concern highlighted by Nasir Uddin was the challenge of monitoring and combating misinformation in Bangladesh’s more remote regions, including hilly terrain and island areas. “We need not just policy guidelines, but realistic plans—who will work, how many people are needed, and how information will be gathered from hard-to-reach areas,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong connectivity with any central monitoring facility.

The initiative comes as Bangladesh approaches its 13th national parliamentary election, with the CEC expressing his hope that the seminar would generate actionable recommendations to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process.

Election Commission Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed provided additional context during the seminar, noting that AI’s influence—both passive and negative—represents a growing concern in electoral processes worldwide. According to Ahmed, approximately 92 percent of global elections have already faced challenges related to AI-driven misinformation campaigns that disrupt democratic processes.

The Election Commission’s proactive approach reflects a growing trend among electoral bodies worldwide to confront the challenges posed by emerging technologies. As social media platforms and digital communication channels play an increasingly central role in political discourse, the potential for sophisticated AI tools to create and disseminate convincing false information has become a significant concern for election officials globally.

Bangladesh’s initiative appears to acknowledge that traditional approaches to countering electoral misinformation may be insufficient against AI-generated content, which can be produced rapidly, at scale, and with increasing sophistication. The commission’s focus on building capacity for real-time monitoring and verification represents an attempt to develop institutional resilience against these evolving digital threats.

The CEC concluded by urging all stakeholders to cooperate in preventing the misuse of technology to ensure Bangladesh can conduct a participatory and fair election that truly reflects the will of its citizens.