DHAKA, Jan 10, 2025 (BSS) - To raise awareness among students about 
misinformation, disinformation, and responsible digital engagement ahead of 
the upcoming national election Dot Initiative today organised a workshop 
titled "Fact-Checking and Countering Misinformation Ahead of National 
Election 2026" at the University of Dhaka (DU).

The 13th Parliamentary Election has been scheduled for February 12, 2026.
President of Dot Initiative K M Emrul Hasan inaugurated the workshop. 

He warned about the growing threat of misinformation during election periods 
and highlighted the vital role of youth in safeguarding democratic values 
through responsible information sharing.

In the first session, Mohiuddin Muzahid Mahi, president of the Dhaka 
University Journalists' Association (DUJA), discussed how misinformation 
spreads during elections, the tactics used to manipulate public opinion, and 
the importance of ethical journalism and media literacy.

Editor of The Dissent, an investigative media outlet, Quadaruddin Shishir 
conducted the second session. He elaborated insights into fact-checking 
techniques.
 
Quadaruddin demonstrated practical tools for verifying news, images, and 
viral social media content, urging students to critically evaluate 
information before sharing it online.

The workshop concluded with closing remarks by Ferdous Aiam, general 
secretary of Dot Initiative.

He thanked the discussants for their insights and participants for their 
active engagement and reaffirmed the organization's commitment to empowering 
youth with digital literacy skills and promoting informed civic participation 
ahead of the national polls.

Students from various departments of the University of Dhaka took part in the 
programme.