Last year as we wrapped up FactFest 2025, Bangladesh’s first conference dedicated to fact-checkers, we made one promise: it wouldn’t be the last.
We’re excited to share that FactFest 2026 will take place this September. Over two days, the conference will bring together fact-checking professionals from across the country and, for the first time, university students to exchange ideas, build connections and strengthen the future of fact-checking in Bangladesh.
Scroll down for event details and registration links.
About FactFest
The spread of misinformation and disinformation is a global challenge. In Bangladesh, however, the stakes are even higher. As more people turn to social media as a primary source of news and information, low levels of media literacy and limited fact-checking capacity leave the information ecosystem particularly vulnerable. Traditional media, too, can struggle to fulfil its gatekeeping role, with unverified reporting at times undermining public trust.
Recognising that these challenges cannot be addressed by individual organisations alone, Digitally Right launched the National Fact-Checkers’ Convening in 2025. Bringing together fact-checkers from across Bangladesh, the convening created the country’s first dedicated platform for practitioners to exchange experiences, strengthen collaboration and collectively examine the evolving information ecosystem.
The convening underscored the importance of peer learning, professional solidarity and coordinated action in strengthening Bangladesh’s response to disinformation. Building on that foundation, FactFest 2026 continues to expand this shared space for collaboration, learning and collective action.
FactFest 2026: Truth, Trust, and Democratic Transition
FactFest 2026: Bangladesh Fact-Checking Conference is grounded in a simple proposition: trust in democratic societies depends on access to credible information and the collective ability to challenge falsehoods.
What makes FactFest 2026 different is not a change in its core purpose, but an expansion of its ambition.
This year, the convening grows in both scope and scale by bringing university students into the conversation for the first time. Alongside fact-checkers, students interested in information integrity will get the chance to learn directly from experts and exchange ideas.
FactFest 2026 is being organised by Digitally Right under the Media Safety in the Digital Age project, with support from Fojo Media Institute.
Who can apply
Fact-checking professionals: Open to Bangladeshi nationals currently working in the field of fact-checking.
University students: Open to Bangladeshi students who are currently:
- in the third year of an honours degree;
- in the fourth year of an honours degree; or
- enrolled in a master’s degree programme
Applications are welcome from students in all academic disciplines, but should demonstrate an interest in fact-checking, information integrity or related issues. As places are limited, all applications will be reviewed carefully, and selected participants will be contacted directly.
What to expect
FactFest 2026 will be a two-day, in-person event.
Day One: Learning, exchange and public engagement
Day One will be open to selected fact-checking professionals and university students.
The programme will include:
- keynote remarks and plenary discussions;
- participant-led panel discussions;
- practical workshops and interactive learning sessions; and
- networking and peer-learning opportunities.
For university students, the day will provide an introduction to fact-checking and information-integrity work through practical sessions and direct engagement with experienced practitioners.
Day Two: Professional practice and collaboration
Day Two will be reserved for selected fact-checking professionals only. The discussions will examine the challenges, responsibilities and future of the profession in greater depth.
Event Details
Date: Coming in late September 2026. Exact dates will be announced soon!
Venue: BCDM Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
How to register
Complete the form that applies to your participant category:
Registration for fact-checking professionals: Click here
Registration for university students: [Registration will open soon, so stay tuned!]
Fact-checking professionals may also submit a proposal for a panel discussion or practical workshop.
Panel or workshop proposal form: [Submissions will open soon, so stay tuned!]
Key dates to remember
FactFest 2026: Late September 2026. Exact dates will be announced soon.
Registration for fact-checking professionals closes: 20 August 2026
For queries, contact: ask@digitallyright.org
Please note: Any changes to the application timeline will be announced on this page and through Digitally Right’s official social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X. No deadline will be brought forward from the date originally published.