Misinformation and disinformation thrive in non-democratic environment: Speakers at CGS event
Publish: 22 Apr 2024, 12:32 AM
US Embassy Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli
Speakers at an event in the capital highlighted the persistent challenges of misinformation and disinformation in the coutnry. Organied by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), its Executive Director Zillur Rahman said that "without democracy, misinformation and disinformation will proliferate in the country. He stressed the vital link between democracy and the prevalence of misinformation. Stressging the resilience against such campaigns, he added, "neither misinformation, disinformation, nor smear campaigns will deter our resolve."
US Embassy’s Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli, who was present as the guest of honor, emphasized the importance of media literacy and urged journalists to convey the lessons learned from CGS sessions supported by the US 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 stressed the necessity for media houses to verify facts before publishing any report.
CGS organized the event on the "War Against Misinformation Continues: CMIB Wrap Up" on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at the EMK Center in Dhaka. This event marked the culmination of a year-long project titled "Confronting Misinformation in Bangladesh," conducted in collaboration with the US 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.
