Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged the United Nations (UN) to develop an effective mechanism to fight disinformation and support media maintaining ethical standards. The Chief Adviser made the call when Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, and Mehdi Benchelah, Senior Project Officer, Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists Section, UNESCO, called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the UNESCO officials met the Chief Adviser ahead of the launching of a report titled “An Assessment of Bangladesh’s Media Landscape: Focusing on Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media”, jointly prepared by UNDP and UNESCO. The Chief Adviser expressed anticipation for the report and highlighted disinformation and fake news as major issues, noting that both local and international actors are involved in spreading false information.
The Chief Adviser emphasized that regular media, alongside digital platforms, contribute to disinformation and urged the UN to engage with both the government and media to combat this challenge. He stressed the importance of independent regulation and suggested that media outlets spreading disinformation should be reminded of their lack of trustworthiness. He acknowledged the influence of the UN and requested its support in these efforts.
UNESCO Representative Susan Vize stated that the upcoming report would focus on self-regulation and include important recommendations aligned with international standards. She mentioned the necessity for training officials, law enforcers, and the judiciary to better align their practices with these standards.
UNESCO Senior Project Officer Mehdi Benchelah indicated that the report would address journalists’ working conditions and the safety of female journalists in newsrooms, both of which are global concerns. He noted that government action could significantly impact these areas.
The report has been prepared under the framework of UNDP’s Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) project and aligns with UNESCO’s mandate to promote freedom of expression and media development.