Bangladesh experiences peak media freedom, yet social media is overwhelmed by disinformation: CA

On Wednesday, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized that while Bangladesh's media enjoys unprecedented freedom, social media has become inundated with misinformation and disinformation.  

He made these remarks during a meeting with an Open Society Foundations delegation, led by Chairman Alex Soros and President Binaifer Nowrojee. During their discussion, Professor Yunus expressed his support for the reforms initiated by the Interim Government.  

According to a spokesperson for the Chief Adviser, the meeting covered Bangladesh’s efforts to rebuild its economy, recover siphoned-off assets, combat misinformation, and implement key economic reforms.  

Alex Soros praised Professor Yunus for his leadership during a pivotal period in Bangladesh’s history, commending his role in guiding essential reforms to strengthen national institutions and the economy.  

He highlighted that the student-led mass uprising had created "great opportunities" to reshape the country’s future.  

The discussions touched on crucial issues, including the July uprising, transitional justice for victims, economic reforms, media freedom, asset recovery, cybersecurity legislation, and the Rohingya crisis.  

"We will explore ways to support your efforts in these areas," said Alex Soros.  

Professor Yunus expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s support and urged it to raise global awareness about the historic student-led uprising that toppled a brutal dictatorship.  

"During my visit to Davos, I realized that many people are unaware of the July uprising," he said, adding, "There is a lot of disinformation."  

He also sought the Foundation’s help in tracing and recovering approximately $234 billion allegedly siphoned off during Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year tenure.  

Emphasizing that the interim government inherited a "devastated and war-torn" economy, he called for international support in the nation’s rebuilding efforts.  

The Open Society Foundations also expressed interest in assisting Bangladesh with its transition out of Least Developed Country (LDC) status—an initiative welcomed by Professor Yunus.  

"We must ensure a smooth transition without any setbacks," he noted.