UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK (V7N) — Bangladesh has issued a strong call for intensified global cooperation to protect information integrity and combat the rising tide of misinformation and hate speech. Addressing the general debate of the 48th session of the United Nations Committee on Information at the UN Headquarters on Monday, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized that the misuse of digital platforms and artificial intelligence is currently fueling social divisions and eroding public trust worldwide.

In his address, Ambassador Chowdhury highlighted the evolving challenges posed by disinformation, particularly its role in exacerbating humanitarian crises. He specifically pointed to the disinformation-driven narratives surrounding the Rohingya situation in Myanmar and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for the accurate dissemination of facts to foster global awareness and accountability.

Digital Equity: The envoy underscored the urgent need to bridge the digital divide—both between developed and developing nations and within societies—to ensure that information technology serves as a tool for inclusion rather than exclusion.

UN Peacekeeping: Highlighting Bangladesh’s role as a top contributor to UN peacekeeping, including the deployment of women peacekeepers, Chowdhury called for robust strategies to counter anti-peacekeeping narratives and promote environmental responsibility within missions.

Responsible AI: He stressed the importance of the responsible use of artificial intelligence and communication technologies to prevent the spread of hate speech and harmful digital content.

Global Accountability: The Permanent Representative reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to UN values, urging for a more transparent and accountable global communication framework.

The 48th session of the Committee on Information serves as the annual forum for reviewing the UN’s global communication, public information, and outreach strategies. By positioning itself at the forefront of the fight against digital misinformation, Bangladesh continues to advocate for a more stable and truthful international information landscape, reflecting its own national priorities regarding digital security and social harmony.

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