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5. How the war against disinformation can be won?

Most people do not understand the severity of the challenges posed by disinformation. For
example, when disinformation started circulating in 2019 in social media claiming that many
human heads are required for the successful construction of the Padma Bridge, it resulted in public

lynching of innocent individuals suspected of child-snatching. At least two people were killed in
Dhaka. Over the last decade, Bangladesh has witnessed unprecedented penetration of mobile
technology. However, MIL competencies could not penetrate much. To overcome this mismatch,
Bangladesh needs a robust response strategy. Moreover, disinformation should not be addressed

in isolation, but as a part of overall efforts to achieve 'MIL for All'. First, MIL competencies
should be recognized as the fourth pillar of basic literacy, such as reading, writing, and numerical
skills. Second, 'MIL for all' should be a component of 'Education for All', and should be included

in the school education curricula. Third, we need a national regulatory framework for MIL in
general and disinformation in particular keeping in mind the importance of freedom of speech
and the right to information. Fourth, an extensive public education program on MIL with a special
focus on disinformation should be adopted with adequate financing. Fifth, capacity building
programs are needed to develop MIL empowered media professionals. Sixth, Public financing as
well as crowd-funding should be encouraged for fact-checking and debunking efforts. Seventh,
access to reliable and trust-worthy information need to be ensured. Eighth, LIS professionals need

to play the role of catalyst.

The above steps are needed for creating an enabling environment to counter disinformation. I
propose the following framework to manage the disinformation risk:

First, identify the disinformation content. Second, report the content to fact-checkers or
appropriate authority. Third, fact-check and identify creators, distributors, and beneficial owners

of disinformation. Fourth, debunk and take technological, economic, and punitive measures, if
necessary.

6. Do you think that youth may play a crucial role in resisting disinfodemic?

Today's youth are more engaged in the digital world than any other age group all over the world. This
is true for Bangladesh as well. It is observed that today's youth get their news more from social media
sources than mainstream media sources. Also, it is observed that the youth are less critical about the

content, whereas they have higher digital capability to verify disinformation. The opposite is true for
senior age groups- they are more likely to be critical, but have less digital capability to verify. If
empowered with MIL competencies, the youth can be a formidable force against disinformation. It

will be also easier to equip the youth with MIL competencies. Because the youth already possess
media competencies and digital competencies. They require only information competencies to become
MIL agents.

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