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Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Seeks UN Support to Combat Election Misinformation
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has appealed to the United Nations Human Rights Office for assistance in combating widespread misinformation surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming February 12 elections, expressing concern about potential impacts on the democratic process.
During a telephone conversation with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, Prof Yunus highlighted what he described as “a flood of misinformation” originating from both foreign media and local sources, 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,” Yunus told the UN human rights chief, underscoring the government’s growing anxiety about information integrity during this critical political transition.
Türk acknowledged the severity of the problem, offering his office’s full support to address what he characterized as “a growing challenge” in Bangladesh’s political landscape. “There is a lot of misinformation. We will do whatever is needed,” Türk assured, pledging that the UN rights agency would collaborate closely with Bangladesh to tackle the issue.
The conversation extended beyond misinformation concerns to cover several pressing issues, including the upcoming referendum, institutional reforms, the work of the Enforced Disappearance Commission, the formation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and broader geopolitical considerations.
Türk emphasized the necessity of establishing “a truly independent” National Human Rights Commission to continue addressing enforced disappearances effectively. This emphasis comes at a time when Bangladesh is working to reconcile with and address human rights concerns that accumulated during the previous administration.
In response, Prof Yunus assured the high commissioner that the NHRC ordinance has already been promulgated and the commission would be reconstituted before the February elections. “We will do it before we leave,” Yunus affirmed, highlighting the interim government’s commitment to establishing crucial democratic institutions before the electoral transition.
The Chief Adviser also revealed that he had shared the final report of the Enforced Disappearance Commission with Türk, describing it as a “crucial document” that would significantly advance accountability and justice for victims of enforced disappearances during what he termed the “authoritarian regime” that ruled Bangladesh from 2009 to 2024.
The report represents a significant step in Bangladesh’s efforts to address human rights violations alleged to have occurred under the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country following massive student-led protests in August 2023.
Türk praised Yunus’s leadership efforts over the past 18 months and confirmed that his office had supported the Enforced Disappearance Commission’s work and would continue to do so, signaling ongoing international engagement with Bangladesh’s transition process.
The discussion occurs against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s complex political transition following the toppling of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The interim government led by Nobel laureate Yunus faces numerous challenges, including maintaining political stability, addressing economic concerns, and ensuring a fair electoral process.
The February 12 elections represent a critical milestone in Bangladesh’s return to democratic governance. However, the proliferation of misinformation presents a significant threat to electoral integrity and public trust in the process.
SDG Coordinator and Senior Secretary Lamiya Morshed was present during the conversation, underscoring the government’s multi-sectoral approach to addressing these challenges.
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14 Comments
This is an interesting situation. Combating misinformation during elections is crucial for preserving democracy. It’s good to see the Bangladeshi government reaching out to the UN for support on this issue.
I agree, tackling misinformation is a major challenge that many countries are grappling with. The UN’s involvement could help provide much-needed resources and expertise.
Misinformation can have serious consequences for the democratic process. I hope the UN is able to provide effective assistance to the Bangladeshi government in addressing this problem.
Absolutely. Free and fair elections require access to accurate, reliable information. This is a global issue that requires coordinated international efforts to resolve.
Combating misinformation during elections is a complex challenge, but the Bangladeshi government’s outreach to the UN is a positive step. I hope the international community can provide the necessary resources and expertise to address this issue.
Absolutely. Maintaining public trust in the electoral process is critical for the health of any democracy. The UN’s involvement could help identify best practices and facilitate the sharing of knowledge across borders.
This is an important issue that deserves attention. Maintaining information integrity during elections is crucial for upholding democratic principles. I hope the UN is able to provide meaningful assistance to Bangladesh.
Agreed. Combating misinformation requires a multi-stakeholder approach, and the UN’s global reach and expertise could be invaluable in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts.
Misinformation is a growing challenge that undermines public trust and the democratic process. Bangladesh’s request for UN assistance is a prudent step, and I hope the international community can provide effective support.
Absolutely. Safeguarding elections from the spread of false information is critical for ensuring free and fair outcomes. The UN’s involvement could help develop best practices and share lessons learned from other countries.
This is a concerning situation, but I’m glad to see the Bangladeshi government taking proactive measures to address the problem of misinformation ahead of their elections. The UN’s involvement could be invaluable.
I agree. Misinformation poses a serious threat to the integrity of elections, and international cooperation is essential for developing effective countermeasures. The UN’s support could be a crucial step in protecting Bangladesh’s democratic process.
It’s concerning to hear about the flood of misinformation surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming elections. The government’s appeal for UN support is a prudent step to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
I agree. Misinformation poses a serious threat to elections worldwide. The UN’s involvement could help develop strategies to counter these malicious efforts and protect voters’ right to accurate information.