Monitoring, journalist training and AI literacy highlighted in parliament
Fact-Checking Drive Expands Against Disinformation
Bangladesh’s information ministry outlined initiatives on fact-checking, journalist training and digital monitoring to address misinformation and improve media verification practices.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has outlined its efforts to strengthen fact-checking, journalist training and digital monitoring initiatives aimed at addressing misinformation and improving information verification practices.
Responding to a written question in parliament, Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the fact-checking unit “BanglaFact,” operated under the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB), has been carrying out verification and monitoring activities.
According to information presented in parliament, BanglaFact has so far published 783 fact-check reports, analytical content and investigative videos. Of those, 229 were produced after the current government took office.
The minister stated that 16 websites resembling news and television presentation formats have been identified for allegedly disseminating misleading content. In addition, more than 300 Facebook accounts and 100 X accounts have been identified over concerns related to false or misleading information.
The ministry also said BanglaFact currently verifies an average of three to five public claims each day and publishes findings through reports and video formats.
As part of journalist capacity-building initiatives, PIB has conducted training and workshops across districts covering misinformation response, fact-checking methods and the use of artificial intelligence in journalism.
The ministry added that a dedicated fact-checking manual is being prepared to support media professionals and strengthen verification practices.
//DBTech/BT/DHE//
