Misinformation and rumors in Bangladesh are no longer confined to the realm of online falsehoods; they are increasingly being wielded as political and commercial weapons, transitioning from social media to the streets and eventually infiltrating mainstream media and academic circles, as highlighted by media experts and policymakers yesterday.
During a forum titled “Rumors and Misinformation in the Media: Who is the Victim? Who is the Predator?” organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh, the speakers emphasized that fake news, disinformation, and rumors are no longer isolated incidents but have evolved into potent political instruments.
Professor A Al Mamun from Rajshahi University’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism expressed concern over the global rise of fascist and autocratic regimes alongside right-wing politics, noting a concerning correlation between right-wing ideologies and the proliferation of rumors, misinformation, and disinformation in Bangladesh over the past two years.
Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, the prime minister’s adviser on information and broadcasting, acknowledged the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the country’s low levels of media and digital literacy in combating the spread of false information. He underscored the government’s commitment to addressing specific offenses related to fake news to safeguard the integrity of the media and inform the public.
UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, Susan Vize, stressed the importance of enhancing fact-checking capabilities and real-time information verification to counter misinformation effectively. She emphasized the need for journalists to receive training on biases, fact-checking techniques, AI, algorithms, and information integrity.
Highlighting the impact of online algorithms controlled by major corporate platforms, PIB Director General Faruk Wasif noted that the media industry is suffering from a credibility crisis as audiences gravitate towards social media for information, eroding trust in traditional media outlets.
Mamunur Rashid, associate professor at Jahangirnagar University and consultant at Bangladesh Computer Council, pointed out that mainstream and social media coexist in a complex ecosystem where users serve as both content consumers and producers. He cited data from Rumor Scanner indicating 925 cases of misinformation between January 2023 and March 2024, with AI-generated content targeting political figures and government institutions.
Drawing from the Reuters Institute’s 2025 report, Nazia Afrin Monami, adjunct faculty at ULAB, highlighted the challenges faced by individuals in discerning truth from falsehood online, exacerbated by platforms incentivizing sensational content over factual accuracy.
The forum also featured the unveiling of a book titled “Shikari Sangbadikota” (Predatory Journalism) authored by Prof A Al Mamun and Kazi Mamun, faculty members at RU’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, with the event moderated by PIB instructor Sahanowar Sayd Shahin.
