How misinformation threatens our democracy

October 24, 2024

DHAKA – Democracy relies on the principles of informed citizen participation, transparency, and accountability. However, in Bangladesh, the democratic process faces significant challenges, with one key issue being the pervasive spread of misinformation and the powerful influence of online platforms.

In recent years, internet usage and social media penetration have surged in Bangladesh. While this has facilitated the exchange of information, it has also become a breeding ground for misinformation, fake news, rumours, and deliberate propaganda. As the country becomes increasingly digitised, the impact of misinformation on public opinion and political decision-making is more pronounced than ever.

In some cases, mainstream media has also played a problematic role in spreading misinformation. Sensationalised headlines or misleading titles often contribute to the spread of false information—media outlets, driven by competition for attention and viewership, sometimes prioritise sensationalism over fact-based reporting. This practice not only misinforms the public but also deepens confusion on critical issues.

Misinformation spreads quickly in these environments, creating confusion and leading to misguided decisions based on false premises. This issue becomes particularly acute during times of political tension and unrest. Political parties and vested interest groups often use social media to spread rumours and misinform the public in an attempt to influence political preferences. These falsehoods are often crafted to appear credible, making it difficult for the average citizen to discern fact from fiction.

A notable example is the rise in communal violence fuelled by rumours spread on social media. Recently, there