Fact-Check Focused Workshop Begins at ICT Tower

A two-day fact-checking workshop has commenced at the ICT Tower in Agargaon, Dhaka, involving 48 government officials from various ministries. The technical training session is aimed at enhancing the capacity of information officers to tackle misinformation and disinformation, particularly in light of the upcoming national elections.

The workshop is being facilitated by Kadruddin Shishir and Minhaj Aman, founders of Factcheck BD, who are serving as lead trainers.

In his inaugural remarks, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Caretaker Government, expressed concern over an anticipated surge in false and misleading information surrounding the elections. Emphasizing the need for both technical proficiency and robust media engagement, he stated, “A record amount of disinformation is expected ahead of the upcoming election. Therefore, it is crucial for information officers to develop technical expertise while maintaining close communication with media professionals.”

He added, “Misinformation is spreading rapidly these days, yet it also vanishes quickly. Unfortunately, we lack modern tools for fact-checking. Hence, verifying the authenticity of information is vital. We must define our course of action and highlight the government’s image through strategic dissemination of facts. Strengthening interdepartmental communication is also essential.”

Taiyeb, who also serves as a Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on ICT and Telecommunications, further noted, “Social media is being flooded with misinformation on a regular basis. Immediate and accurate narratives must be developed in response. We must continue to fight rumors with full capacity.”

The workshop, chaired by ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, also featured remarks from officials representing the police department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.