Byline: Guest Contributor – LibertyNewsBD.com
Website : https://www.libertynewsbd.com/
In an era dominated by viral misinformation and AI-generated deepfakes, Liberty News has taken a crucial initiative to promote truth and accountability in journalism. On Sunday, the organization hosted a day-long seminar titled “Fact-Checking and Propaganda Detection in the Digital Age” at its corporate office in Dhaka.
The event brought together an impressive panel of editors, journalists, corporate leaders, diplomats, government officials, and fact-checking experts to explore the mechanics of misinformation and develop practical strategies to counter it.
The Age of Misinformation
Speakers warned that the rise of AI-generated content and synthetic media has blurred the line between verified news and propaganda.
“In today’s information war, truth itself is under attack,”
said Sartaj Bin Rafiq, Director of Podatik Pvt Ltd, in his opening remarks.
“We must learn not just to consume news but to question and verify it.”
Workshops and Discussions
Interactive sessions featured hands-on training on open-source intelligence (OSINT), image verification, and social media monitoring to detect disinformation campaigns. Participants also discussed how political and ideological propaganda can manipulate public perception through emotional storytelling and selective framing.
Fact-Checking as Civic Duty
Joint Secretary Shahana Rahman highlighted that fact-checking extends beyond professional journalism — it’s a responsibility of every citizen.
“When falsehoods go unchecked, societies polarize and trust erodes,”
she said.
Attendees shared personal encounters with misinformation and participated in exercises analyzing recent viral trends in Bangladeshi social media.
A Step Toward Rebuilding Trust
In the closing session, Masud A. Khan, President of the Better Bangladesh Foundation, addressed the audience virtually, emphasizing Liberty News’ commitment:
“Our goal is to make accurate information accessible and rebuild public trust in journalism.”
The initiative was widely praised as a “timely and much-needed step” toward strengthening Bangladesh’s information resilience. Participants urged other media houses, universities, and civil society organizations to follow Liberty News’ example in promoting truth and digital literacy.