Subarna Bhumi Foundation hosts ‘Digital Defenders’ summit to combat online disinformation
The participants were recent graduates of the “Empowered Youth: Safer Digital Spaces” training programme supported by Accountability Lab.
The Subarna Bhumi Foundation hosted the "Digital Defenders Youth Leadership Summit" on Saturday (9 May) at the Subarna Bhumi Resort in Munshiganj, bringing together 25 youth leaders from Indigenous and Bengali communities to promote safer digital spaces.
The participants were recent graduates of the "Empowered Youth: Safer Digital Spaces" training programme supported by Accountability Lab, said a press release.
The interactive, one-day summit served as a dynamic platform for participants to reflect on their training, exchange community-level insights, and premiere original counter-narrative videos designed to combat misinformation, disinformation, and online hate.
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Crucially, the gathering laid the groundwork for a robust, self-sustaining network of young "digital defenders" across the region.
Speaking at the event, Mohammad Zahed Hasan, director of programmes at the foundation, said the initiative aimed to equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to protect digital environments.
Additional DIG of Special Branch AKM Akhtaruzzaman attended the programme as guest of honour and encouraged the youth leaders to apply their training in their communities to help tackle online hate speech and disinformation.
Monzurul Alam, country programme officer of the Digital Democracy Initiative (DDI), South Asia, noted that the summit aimed not only to celebrate the achievements of trained youth but also to strengthen long-term collaboration for safer digital spaces.
The programme ended with participants expressing commitment to expanding awareness campaigns and community engagement initiatives to promote a safer digital future.
