Dhaka: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) A M M Nasir Uddin today announced that the Election Commission (EC) is planning to establish a central cell aimed at combating artificial intelligence (AI) generated misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the forthcoming national elections.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the CEC emphasized the need for a centrally coordinated cell that will ensure accurate information dissemination to remote areas. This initiative will be guided by a structured operational framework specifically designed to effectively tackle these challenges.
The announcement was made during a workshop titled “Integration of AI in Upcoming National Election to Counter Misinformation and Disinformation,” held at the Election Training Institute (ETI) located in Agargaon, the capital. The workshop was organized for officials from various bodies including NTMC, MIST, BTRC, CID, ICT Division, IFES, BUET, Dhaka University, BASIS, private universities, the EC Secretariat, and other relevant organizations.
In attendance were election commissioners and Senior Secretary of the EC Secretariat Akhtar Ahmed, who chaired the session. Highlighting the global concern regarding AI misuse, the CEC stated, “We want to take coordinated measures to prevent its misuse in the election process. We have been working on this for a long time and have planned to form a central cell to address misinformation and disinformation.”
The CEC expressed hope that the workshop would yield precise recommendations on preventing the rapid spread of false information using AI from remote or inaccessible parts of the country, and ensuring that accurate information reaches the ground based on the existing infrastructure.
“The task requires a 24-hour system to counter false information,” the CEC remarked, emphasizing the need for recommendations that specify personnel requirements, fact-checking mechanisms, coordination among various agencies, and rapid dissemination of correct information.
Further, he stressed the importance of a rapid response fact-checking mechanism, stating, “We need an integrated and effective system, not just a guideline. We want precise and coordinated recommendations.”
Echoing the CEC’s commitment, the EC Senior Secretary stated, “We are committed to holding free and fair elections,” citing a survey that revealed 92 percent of elections globally face credibility issues due to AI’s potential risks. He noted that cooperation from all stakeholders is crucial to prevent AI misuse and ensure participatory and credible elections.