Election narratives shape global perceptions: UNDP Bangladesh

UNDP Resident Representative for Bangladesh Stefan Liller today (1 February) said that election reporting now extends far beyond national borders, warning that those electoral narratives can significantly influence international confidence, diplomatic engagement and perceptions of a country's democratic maturity.

He stressed the need for accuracy, neutrality and ethical judgment in electoral reporting, noting that journalists' work in Bangladesh is closely followed by diplomats, international observers, development partners, investors and global media outlets.

"As a result, election narratives can influence international confidence, diplomatic engagement and perceptions of a country's image and democratic maturity," Liller said, adding that this places a particular responsibility on journalists covering elections in a diplomatic context.

He made the remarks at the closing session of a two-day training programme on election reporting organised by the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) in cooperation with the UNDP and the Media Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) at a city hotel. 

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain attended the closing session as the chief guest, while former Bangladesh Bureau Chief of the Associated Press (AP), Farid Hossain, facilitated the training.

MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman and DCAB President AKM Moinuddin also spoke at the session, which was conducted by DCAB General Secretary Emrul Kayesh.

As Bangladesh approaches an important electoral milestone, the role of journalists is both demanding and indispensable, Liller said, adding,"Democracy is sustained not only by laws and institutions, but by informed citizens. Journalists are central to that process."

He noted that electoral developments must be reported within Bangladesh's constitutional and legal frameworks, as well as its international commitments under the United Nations Charter, international human rights instruments and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions.

Responsible reporting, Liller said, helps ensure that political contestation is understood internationally as part of a lawful, rules-based democratic process.

Describing elections as among the most technically and politically sensitive aspects of democratic governance, he said journalists serve as a vital bridge between institutions and citizens.

"At moments of heightened political competition, professional and ethical reporting contributes directly to public trust, democratic legitimacy and social cohesion," he said, cautioning that misinformation or imprecise reporting can unintentionally amplify tensions and undermine confidence in electoral outcomes.

Liller also highlighted growing global risks from misinformation, disinformation, hate speech and digitally manipulated content, including those generated or amplified through artificial intelligence (AI).

"Protecting information integrity is inseparable from protecting journalists themselves," he said, noting that journalists increasingly face harassment, intimidation and threats both online and offline. "Safe journalists are essential to safe elections," he added.

On gender and inclusion, Liller said women candidates, activists and journalists are disproportionately targeted by technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including online harassment, intimidation, sexualised disinformation and doxxing.

Such attacks, he said, are designed to silence voices and deter political participation, stressing that the media plays a crucial role in exposing these patterns, amplifying women's experiences and framing such abuses as violations of democratic rights.

By challenging stereotypes and highlighting barriers faced by women in politics, Liller said, the media can encourage broader participation and strengthen the inclusiveness and legitimacy of electoral processes.