EWU, UNESCO hold media literacy ToT programme in Dhaka
The Department of Information Studies (DIS) at East West University organised a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) from 30 to 31 January 2026 at the BIAM Foundation in Dhaka.
The programme was held in collaboration with MILNetBD and UNESCO, with support from the United Nations, as part of a six-month initiative to strengthen media and information literacy in Bangladesh.
Organisers said the initiative comes at a crucial time, as the growing influence of digital platforms and artificial intelligence has heightened the need for citizens to assess information critically, counter misinformation, and engage ethically with media—particularly during election periods when digital content can significantly shape public opinion and democratic processes.
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The ToT programme brought together 29 participants, including faculty members from leading public and private universities across the country. The training was facilitated by four nationally and internationally recognised experts: Dilara Begum, professor and chairperson of the Department of Information Studies at East West University and president of MILNetBD; Goutam Mondal of Daily Samakal; Md Roknuzzaman, professor and chairperson of the Department of Information Science and Library Management at the University of Dhaka; and Nadim Farhad, Peace and Development Officer at the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator.
The closing ceremony was attended by Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, as chief guest, and Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Pro-Vice Chancellor of East West University, as special guest. Their participation underscored institutional and international support for advancing media and information literacy and responsible digital citizenship.
The training modules were based on the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Curriculum and were contextualised for Bangladesh. Key themes included the critical evaluation of information, verification techniques, privacy and data protection, responsible use of social media, misinformation and hate speech, intellectual property rights, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ethical digital citizenship.
Participants represented a wide range of higher education institutions, including BRAC University, Daffodil International University, Independent University, Bangladesh, Jahangirnagar University, Khulna University, National University, Noakhali Science and Technology University, North South University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, the University of Chittagong, the University of Rajshahi, and Varendra University, among others.
Organisers said the ToT programme marks the first phase of the six-month MIL initiative, which aims to establish a network of trained educators who will subsequently train students within their respective institutions through a cascading model. The initiative seeks to promote responsible digital behaviour, counter misinformation, and foster ethical engagement with media and information.
The programme aligns with Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2025, themed 'Minds Over AI: Media and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces'.
The ToT concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, reaffirming the organisers' commitment to strengthening democratic values, promoting social cohesion, and supporting peaceful, informed and inclusive civic participation through media and information literacy.
