As part of its Digital Safety School initiative, Digitally Right organized two Digital Hygiene Trainings in June and July 2024, specifically designed for journalists working outside the capital. These sessions were co-sponsored by the Embassy of Switzerland in Dhaka.
The first training (22–23 June) and the second (13–14 July) brought together 22 journalists from local and regional media outlets. Recognizing the unique risks faced by journalists outside Dhaka—limited access to digital resources, heightened surveillance, and challenging work environments—both the training were tailored to address their specific needs.
Over two days, participants engaged in interactive sessions on topics including digital safety best practices, social media security, secure file handling, encrypted communication, cloud protection, and device security. They were introduced to tools like Tella and advanced fact-checking methods to help them navigate disinformation and protect their digital footprint while reporting.
A highlight of the training was a session led by a fact-checking expert on identifying fake images and videos. The presence of Swiss Embassy representatives during one session further reinforced the importance of international solidarity in strengthening press freedom.
Feedback from participants underscored the relevance and impact of the training. One attendee noted how a previous trainee had used Tella to safely document a voting scam—demonstrating how these learnings translate into real-world protection and accountability.
These trainings mark a continuing effort to equip at-risk journalists across Bangladesh with the knowledge and tools needed to report safely and confidently in a digital world.
