As Bangladesh prepares for its national elections in February 2026, UNESCO Dhaka has brought together representatives from digital platforms, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media development and fact-checking bodies to strengthen electoral information integrity and address emerging digital risks. The day-long, in-person workshop was organized in collaboration with Digitally Right under the UN Electoral Project Building Awareness, Literacy, and Ownership of Online Information Integrity and Democratic Discourse (BALLOT). Discussions also addressed the rising impact of artificial intelligence, including AI-generated content and deepfakes, on electoral information. Senior CSO leaders, media development and fact-checking organizations, development partners, and information integrity experts examined challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, hateful content, and manipulated media on digital platforms. Through group discussions and experience-sharing, participants identified follow-up initiatives under the BALLOT Project, particularly to enhance online safety and information integrity for journalists and vulnerable groups during elections.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 22, 2026 14:35 UTC