Experts call for media literacy at NSU dialogue

North South University (NSU) organised a dialogue titled 'Media Reporting in the Age of Misinformation and Disinformation' today, bringing together representatives from academia, journalism, media and civil society to discuss the growing challenges confronting contemporary information ecosystems.

The programme began with a welcome address by Professor Bulbul Siddiqi, who said that despite the unprecedented abundance of information, society is facing a growing scarcity of truth. He noted that in an environment shaped by social media, digital platforms and fast-paced news cycles, misinformation and disinformation are not only creating confusion but also eroding public trust, deepening social divisions and undermining media credibility.

Dr S M Rezwan Ul Alam presented an academic perspective on the issue, stressing the urgent need to strengthen media literacy to rebuild trust between the government and the public. He emphasised inclusive engagement involving the government, citizens, nd civil society as a key requirement to counter misinformation.

Dr Saiful Haque, associate professor at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, University of Dhaka, highlighted the need for a stronger commitment to truth-seeking to prevent the spread of false and misleading information. He underscored the importance of enhancing digital literacy and called for the establishment of digital forensic laboratories to provide effective information.

Journalist and analyst Shahed Alam emphasised the need to bridge journalism and activism by embedding ethical journalistic principles within activist practices. He highlighted fact-checking – particularly verification of information images– as a critical tool in combating misinformation.

Special guest Jobayer Babu said the media landscape has changed significantly, with various actors misusing media platforms to mislead the public, forcing many people to rely more heavily on social media. He stressed the importance of countering manipulated video, audio, and footage, as well as AI-generated deceptive content, through expanded fact-checking services, noting that the government must play a leading role in this effort.

Speaking as the chief guest, Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of North South University, warned that the blending of truth and falsehood in information dissemination poses a serious threat to society. He emphasised the need to develop skilled professionals capable of regulating and responding to this challenge, urging universities to take a leading role in preparing such expertise.