In an age where misinformation spreads rapidly and digital platforms increasingly shape public understanding, the need for strong verification skills and responsible journalism has never been more urgent. Recent studies have shown a rise in misinformation, including AI-generated and manipulated content, while growing digital pressure continues to challenge trust in the media. For journalism students preparing to enter the profession, learning to identify false narratives, verify sources, and critically examine online content is no longer optional. It is now an essential part of protecting public trust and strengthening the future of journalism in Bangladesh.
Recognizing this need, Digitally Right Limited brought together journalism students for the course titled “Journalism and Information Integrity” to create a space for learning, meaningful discussion, and practical skill-building. The three-day intensive course was held from 19 to 21 April 2026 at North South University. The programme was organized in partnership with the Royal Norwegian, Royal Danish, and Royal Swedish Embassies in Bangladesh, with support from the Department of Media, Communication, and Journalism at North South University.
Twenty participants from three different universities took part in the session, with a notably higher representation of female participants. The session aimed to equip students with both theoretical understanding and practical skills to combat misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation through hands-on training delivered directly by experts.
In the opening session, Nicolas Linus Ragnas Weeks, Ambassador of the Embassy of Sweden, stated that misinformation and disinformation do not occur in a vacuum, neither in Bangladesh nor around the world. He emphasized that, because of the global nature, strong verification skills are essential for identifying and addressing false or misleading information.
Following the opening session, the three-day training programme progressed through a series of thematic sessions combining discussion, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. The sessions were conducted by Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, Managing Director, and Ahamed Yaseer Abrar, Research Officer of Digitally Right Limited.
On the first day, the sessions focused on core concepts such as the attention economy, information disorder, and information integrity. These discussions helped students to build a strong conceptual foundation and encouraged critical thinking and analysis.
On the second day, participants developed practical skills in fact-checking and digital verification. They explored how to determine what can be fact-checked, practiced advanced search techniques, and engaged in group activities to identify misinformation. These sessions strengthened participants’ ability to critically assess digital content and respond responsibly in today’s information environment.
On the last day, the session focused on the influence of AI-generated content on public perception, along with extensive hands-on training in image verification, video verification, and AI detection using different tools. The entire session was practical, allowing participants to actively apply verification techniques in real time. This hands-on approach helped strengthen their confidence in detecting manipulated and AI-generated content effectively.
In the concluding session, Christian Brix Møller, Ambassador of the Embassy of Denmark, emphasized that society is strong when information is reliable and that trust erodes when misinformation spreads. He likened trust to a form of protection against harm, noting that it is the foundation of democracy. He further added that the future of journalism in Bangladesh will not be determined solely by laws or tools, but by the standards and skills that students and emerging journalists choose to develop and uphold.
Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of North South University, highlighted that the course is highly timely and crucial, given the growing challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation in society. He emphasized the importance of initiatives like this by Digitally Right in strengthening students’ media literacy and critical thinking skills. He also expressed gratitude to Digitally Right Limited and the Nordic Embassies for their collaborative effort. He noted that such programs help students enhance their practical skills and prepare for industry demands. He further encouraged the continuation of similar initiatives in the future.
The opening and closing sessions were attended by Dr. Nasar U. Ahmed, Pro Vice-Chancellor of North South University, Dr. Md. Rizwanul Islam, Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at North South University, Dr. S. M. Rezwan Ul Alam, Chair of the Department of Media, Communication, and Journalism, and Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, Managing Director of Digitally Right Limited.
This three-day course, and the genuine interest and engagement it has generated amongst its young participants, has highlighted an urgent need for further initiatives to build in critical knowledge, capacities, and dialogue centering information integrity and responsible journalistic expression. These initiatives need to be replicated in universities across Bangladesh, to bring together a wider network of young aspirants, cultivating interests in journalism, fact-checking, and building safe digital spaces that uphold the right to free, fair, and accurate information.
The program is made possible with the financial support of the Nordic Council of Ministers. The content of the course is the sole responsibility of the coordinators of the project and does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Nordic council or Ministers.