DHAKA, Feb 1, 2026 (BSS) - A two-day training programme was held in the capital to strengthen digital citizenship and responsible media engagement ahead of elections, aiming to equip university educators with skills to counter misinformation and promote ethical online participation.

The Training of Trainers (ToT) on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) took place on January 30-31 at the BIAM Foundation in Dhaka, bringing together 29 faculty members from public and private universities across the country, said a press release here today. 

The programme was jointly organised by the Department of Information Studies of East West University, the Media and Information Literacy Network Bangladesh (MILNetBD) and UNESCO, under the UN Electoral Project named BALLOT.

The initiative aimed to enhance democratic engagement by strengthening educators' capacity to critically evaluate information, counter misinformation and disinformation, and promote ethical and responsible media use skills considered crucial in a digital and AI driven information environment, particularly during election periods.

Organisers said misleading online content can significantly influence public opinion and democratic processes, making digital citizenship and media literacy essential for informed civic participation.

As a follow-up to the ToT, participating faculty members will cascade Media and Information Literacy practices within their respective institutions, engaging students directly to expand MIL competencies and foster evidence-based, responsible civic engagement across university campuses.

The training sessions were facilitated by nationally and internationally recognised experts, including Professor Dr Dilara Begum, Chairperson of the Department of Information Studies at East West University and President of MILNetBD; journalist and researcher Goutam Mondal, Professor Dr Md Roknuzzaman, 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.

Training modules were based on the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy Guidebook and tailored to the Bangladesh context. 

Key topics included information verification techniques, misinformation and hate speech, responsible use of social media, digital ethics, privacy and data protection, intellectual property rights, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and principles of ethical digital citizenship.

Speakers highlighted that strengthening digital citizenship ahead of elections helps build resilience against information pollution, supports democratic values and promotes informed decision-making among voters.

The closing ceremony was attended by Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, as the chief guest, and Professor Dr Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Pro-Vice Chancellor of East West University, as special guest.

The programme concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, reaffirming the organisers' shared commitment to strengthening democratic culture and responsible digital engagement in Bangladesh ahead of upcoming electoral milestones.