Staff Reporter :
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on the United Nations to develop an effective mechanism to combat disinformation and support media outlets in upholding ethical standards.
He made the appeal during a meeting with Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO.
Representative to Bangladesh, and Mehdi Benchelah, Senior Project Officer at UNESCO’s Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists Section, at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday.
The meeting was held ahead of the launch of a joint UNDP-UNESCO report titled “An Assessment of Bangladesh’s Media Landscape: Focusing on Free, Independent and Pluralistic Media.”
“We are eagerly anticipating the report,” said the Chief Adviser. “Our main challenge is the spread of disinformation and fake news, much of which originates from abroad, though some domestic actors are also involved. It is a constant barrage.”
Noting that disinformation emanates not only from digital platforms but also from mainstream media, Professor Yunus called on the UN to play a more active role. “Don’t just engage with governments – engage with the media as well,” he urged.
The Chief Adviser stressed the need for independent regulatory mechanisms to hold media outlets accountable, saying that those consistently spreading false information must be reminded of their lack of credibility. “You are the UN. Your words carry weight. We need your support,” he added.
In response, UNESCO Representative Susan Vize said the forthcoming report would address the importance of self-regulation and identify areas of both progress and concern within the media landscape. “The assessment includes key recommendations aligned with international standards. Training for government officials, law enforcement, and the judiciary will also be essential to improve alignment with those standards,” she said.
Mehdi Benchelah noted that the report would also touch on journalists’ working conditions, including the global issue of newsroom safety for women. “Government action in these areas can have a significant impact,” he said.
The report has been prepared under the UNDP’s Strengthening Institutions, Policies and Services (SIPS) project, and is aligned with UNESCO’s mandate to promote freedom of expression and media development, the officials added.
