CGS Workshop in Dhaka Empowers Journalists to Combat Misinformation

In a bid to confront the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news in Bangladesh, the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) successfully organized the fourth country-wide workshop under the title "Confronting Misinformation in Bangladesh" on November 6, 2023, in Dhaka. The workshop, held in partnership with the US State Department, brought together journalists and fact-checkers from various renowned Dhaka-based national media outlets.

Zillur Rahman, Executive Director of CGS, delivered the opening remarks, setting the tone for the workshop. Mr. Rahman emphasized the critical need for fact-checking, saying, “With the national election on the horizon, the risk of misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information concerning the election is high. It's essential for journalists to uphold professionalism and ensure that information is verified before being shared. We believe this workshop will significantly enhance journalists' abilities in this regard.”

Qadaruddin Shishir, Fact Check Editor at the Agency France Presse (AFP), took charge of leading the workshop, imparting valuable knowledge and expertise on fact-checking procedures, techniques, and precautionary measures in the media.

This workshop marks the second phase of CGS's ongoing efforts to combat false information, rumors, and misleading news nationwide. In the initial phase, CGS organized seven dialogue sessions in five divisional locations across the country, featuring journalists, fact-checkers, and editors. In the second phase, the focus has shifted to organizing country-wide workshops for journalists, aimed at equipping them to tackle fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.