Info Minister Seeks UNESCO Support to Combat Misinformation

Bangladesh’s Information Minister Calls for UNESCO Partnership to Combat Digital Misinformation

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has called for a collaborative effort with UNESCO to develop an effective roadmap addressing the growing challenges of misinformation and disinformation in Bangladesh’s digital landscape.

The minister made this appeal during a meeting with UNESCO Country Representative Dr. Susan Vize at the secretariat on Monday. The high-level discussion focused on strengthening media integrity and fostering international cooperation to combat the spread of false information.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital environment, misinformation poses a significant threat to social cohesion and democratic processes,” Minister Swapon emphasized during the talks. He highlighted the urgent need for technical assistance from UNESCO to enhance Bangladesh’s capacity to identify and counter false narratives circulating across various media platforms.

Dr. Vize provided a comprehensive overview of UNESCO’s ongoing initiatives in Bangladesh, particularly in media development and policy framework enhancement. She emphasized that combating misinformation has become a top priority for the organization globally, as digital platforms continue to transform how information is created and consumed.

A key focus of UNESCO’s current efforts in Bangladesh involves fact-checking training programs targeting university students. This initiative aims to equip young people with critical skills to verify information and identify misleading content before sharing it on social media or other platforms.

“Building a generation of digitally literate citizens who can discern credible information from falsehoods is essential for maintaining social harmony and supporting informed democratic participation,” Dr. Vize explained.

The meeting marks a significant step in strengthening the partnership between Bangladesh’s government and UNESCO in the media sector. Minister Swapon expressed optimism about expanding this cooperation, noting that there is “significant scope” for collaboration in addressing the complex challenges facing the country’s information ecosystem.

Media experts have noted that Bangladesh, like many developing nations, has experienced a surge in digital misinformation in recent years as internet penetration and social media usage have grown dramatically. This trend has been accompanied by concerns about the impact on public trust in institutions and the potential for social polarization.

The discussion also touched on the importance of transparency and credibility in the digital age, with Minister Swapon emphasizing the need to leverage UNESCO’s expertise to strengthen media integrity across Bangladesh. Dr. Vize assured the minister of UNESCO’s full support in these endeavors.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury and Secretary Mahbuba Farjana were also present at the meeting, underscoring the government’s high-level commitment to addressing these issues.

This initiative aligns with broader global efforts to combat the “infodemic” of misleading and false information that has accompanied the digital revolution. International organizations, including the United Nations, have increasingly recognized misinformation as a significant challenge requiring coordinated responses across borders.

For Bangladesh, a country experiencing rapid digital transformation, developing robust systems to maintain information integrity will be crucial for sustaining democratic processes and social cohesion. The partnership with UNESCO represents an important step toward building the necessary institutional capacity and technical expertise.

The proposed roadmap is expected to include comprehensive strategies for media literacy education, professional training for journalists, and policy recommendations that balance freedom of expression with responsible information sharing practices.