Journalists, media professionals, and policy stakeholders have called for enhanced journalist training, regulation of online news portals, and greater digital literacy to address the growing challenges of misinformation and hate speech in the new media landscape.
The call was made during a discussion organized by Bangladesh Forward on Thursday evening at Banani, Dhaka. The event was held in partnership with the Strategy & Policy Forum (SPF) as the Strategic Partner, while Fusion Holidays supported the program as the event sponsor.
Participants, including representatives from leading national media organizations and distinguished professionals, emphasized the need for coordinated efforts among the government, media institutions, educational organizations, and civil society to safeguard the country’s information ecosystem.
Ten Key Recommendations
The discussion concluded with the following ten recommendations to counter misinformation and hate speech:
Strengthen the Capacity of Local Journalists: Introduce regular training programs on fact-checking, information verification, and digital journalism for journalists at district and upazila levels through joint initiatives by the government and media organizations.
Address Ideology-Driven Misinformation and Political Disinformation: Establish clear policy frameworks and accountability mechanisms to curb political propaganda, misinformation, and content that fuels social division.
Bring Online News Portals Under a Registration Framework: Develop and implement a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to register and monitor online news portals operating at district and upazila levels.
Introduce Journalist Accreditation and Minimum Professional Standards: Establish a certification and accreditation system based on minimum professional qualifications to discourage unethical journalism and strengthen professional standards.
Establish Official Press Wings for Information Dissemination: Encourage government and private institutions to operate dedicated press wings or media cells to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of official information and reduce misinformation.
Strengthen Measures Against Fake Accounts and Pages: Enhance cooperation between the Government of Bangladesh and social media platforms, including Meta, to implement more effective identity verification systems.
Develop a National Coordinated Response Mechanism: Create a national platform bringing together the government, media, educational institutions, and civil society to coordinate efforts against misinformation.
Support Safe Online Communities and Fact-Checking Initiatives: Strengthen fact-checking organizations while ensuring they are protected from coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Increase the Role of ICT Authorities and Cyber Crime Units: Empower law enforcement agencies to take swift legal action against organized misinformation networks and fraudulent online news portals.
Promote Digital Literacy Nationwide: Introduce digital literacy programs in schools, colleges, and universities to improve citizens’ ability to identify misinformation and verify information sources.
The speakers expressed optimism that implementing these recommendations would contribute to building a healthier, more responsible, and information-based media environment, while strengthening Bangladesh’s digital ecosystem against misinformation and hate speech.
Participants
Among those present at the discussion were:
Fazle Rabbi Khan, Adviser, Bangladesh Forward;
Asif Hossain Rochi, Director, Strategy & Policy Forum (SPF); Joint General Secretary, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (Central); Former President, BUET Chhatra Dal;
Monirul Haque Jony, Former General Secretary, Patuakhali Science and Technology University;
Murtaza Khan Lodi, Director, Bangladesh Forward; Joint General Secretary, Manikganj District Krishak Dal;
Md. Mizanur Rahman Sabuj, Secretary, BNP Analysis Cell;
Mashiyur Shafi, Former Member, BNP Media Cell;
Nazmul Islam Konok, CEO, ReplyMind;
Mehedi Islam, Journalist, Kaler Kantho;
Sakib Ahmed, Jahangirnagar University Correspondent, The Daily Star;
Arifur Rahman Sadi, Jahangirnagar University Correspondent, bdnews24.com;
Abdul Momin, Manikganj Correspondent, Prothom Alo;
Sohel Hossain, Manikganj Correspondent, Agamir Shomoy;
and other media professionals and distinguished guests.
Ends
Murtaza Khan Lodi
Director
Bangladesh Forward
Email: murtaza.lodi@gmail.com
Phone: +8801711504152
