The War Against Misinformation Continues

This event marked the culmination of a year-long project titled "Confronting Misinformation in Bangladesh," conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State.

Over the past twelve months, CGS has organized a total of 14 dialogue and training sessions across Bangladesh, aiming to dissect the mechanisms of misinformation while addressing the challenges associated with combating it at local and national levels. Employing a multi-faceted approach encompassing media literacy training, dialogue sessions, and policy advocacy talk shows, CGS provided a platform for diverse perspectives on countering misinformation, promoting journalistic integrity, and navigating Bangladesh's intricate media landscape.

The project engaged various stakeholders, including journalists, media experts, and fact-checkers, in devising and implementing effective strategies to combat the proliferation of false and misleading information. The closing event served as a testament to the successful completion of this initiative.

The closing event was marked by introductory remarks from Zillur Rahman, Executive Director of CGS, who provided an overview of the project's key activities and achievements. Stephen Ibelli, Public Affairs Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. Journalists representing various media outlets across Bangladesh participated in the event, engaging in a question-and-answer session with the speakers.

During his address, Stephen Ibelli emphasized the importance of media literacy and urged journalists to convey the lessons learned from CGS sessions supported by the U.S. Embassy. He underscored the pivotal role of journalists in maintaining the pillars of democracy, stating, "Journalists are the cornerstone of the state and democracy; hence, we prioritize their welfare." He further emphasized the necessity for media houses to verify facts before publishing any report.

Zillur Rahman highlighted the persistent challenges of misinformation and disinformation, expressing his belief that despite completing the event, smear campaigns and misinformation will continue. He stressed the vital link between democracy and the prevalence of misinformation, stating, "Without democracy, misinformation and disinformation will proliferate in the country." Rahman asserted resilience against such campaigns, stating, "Neither misinformation, disinformation, nor smear campaigns will deter our resolve."