UN Pledges Support to Combat Election Misinformation

UN Rights Chief Pledges Support to Combat Election Misinformation in Bangladesh

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has offered to assist Bangladesh in countering the spread of misinformation threatening to undermine the country’s upcoming February 12 elections, following concerns raised by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

During a telephone conversation on Tuesday, Professor Yunus described what he called “a flood of misinformation” targeting the electoral process. “It is coming from both foreign media and local sources,” Yunus told Türk, according to a statement from the chief adviser’s press wing. “They have flooded social media with fake news, rumors and speculation. We are concerned about the impact this may have on the elections.”

The UN rights chief acknowledged the severity of the problem, offering the full support of his office to address what he characterized as “a growing misinformation challenge” facing Bangladesh. “There is a lot of misinformation. We will do whatever is needed,” Türk assured, adding that the UN human rights agency would collaborate closely with Bangladesh to tackle the issue.

The discussion between the two leaders extended beyond misinformation concerns to encompass several critical governance matters, including the upcoming referendum, institutional reforms, the work of the Enforced Disappearance Commission, and plans for reconstituting the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Türk emphasized the importance of establishing “a truly independent” National Human Rights Commission, particularly to advance investigations into enforced disappearances that allegedly occurred during the previous administration. These cases have been a significant human rights concern in Bangladesh for years, with international organizations documenting numerous instances of politically motivated disappearances.

Professor Yunus assured the high commissioner that progress was already underway on this front. “The NHRC ordinance has already been promulgated and a new commission would be reconstituted ahead of the February 12 elections,” he stated. “We will do it before we leave.”

The chief adviser also revealed he had shared the final report of the Enforced Disappearance Commission with the UN High Commissioner, describing it as a “crucial document” that would contribute significantly toward ensuring accountability and justice for victims of enforced disappearances during what he termed “the autocratic regime” that governed Bangladesh from 2009 to 2024.

This reference alludes to the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose government was ousted following widespread student protests in August 2024, leading to the installation of the interim government headed by Nobel Peace laureate Yunus.

Türk praised the chief adviser’s leadership efforts over the past eighteen months and affirmed that his office had supported the work of the Enforced Disappearance Commission and would continue to do so. The UN has been actively monitoring Bangladesh’s political transition since the dramatic change in government last summer.

The upcoming February elections represent a critical juncture for Bangladesh as it attempts to reestablish democratic institutions following a period of political turbulence. The interim government faces numerous challenges, including ensuring a free and fair electoral process while navigating complex economic pressures and maintaining social stability.

SDG coordinator and senior secretary Lamiya Morshed was present during the conversation between Professor Yunus and High Commissioner Türk, underscoring the importance of sustainable development goals within Bangladesh’s reform agenda.

The UN’s offer of support comes at a pivotal moment as Bangladesh prepares for what many observers consider its most consequential election in years, with the integrity of information surrounding the electoral process emerging as a key concern for both national leaders and international partners.