In an era overflowing with information yet starved of trust, rebuilding digital confidence stands as one of the greatest challenges for modern journalism, said Saif Ahmad, Head of the ICT Department at The Daily Jugantor and Secretary General of the Centre for Technology Journalism (CTJ).
Speaking on the final day of the Bangladesh Internet Governance Forum (BIGF) 2025, held at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka on Saturday (November 1), he presented his keynote paper titled “Media and Digital Trust: Safeguarding Public Confidence in the Age of Disinformation.”
“We live in a time where there’s no shortage of information, but a severe shortage of trust,” said Ahmad. “The line between truth and falsehood has become blurred. Yet journalists continue to fight for the truth — that is our greatest strength.”
He stressed that rebuilding digital trust requires a collective effort:
“Journalists must speak the truth, technology companies must ensure transparency, governments should encourage independent fact-checking instead of control, and the public must remain aware. Conscious citizens are the strongest defense against fake news.”
Concluding his address, Ahmad remarked, “Fake news divides us, but courageous truth unites us. Let us all work together to rebuild that trust.”
The session was moderated by Hasan Jakir, Assistant Editor of Daily Samakal and President of the Center for Technology Journalism (CTJ). Manzur Mohammad Shahriar, Deputy Secretary of the ICT Division, attended as the chief guest. The panel also featured Zahid Hossain Khan, Researcher at Jamuna Television, and Md Yeamin, Fact-Check Editor (Bangla) at AFP.
Discussing the keynote, Zahid Hossain Khan emphasized the need for continuous professional development:
“Internet users must be aware, and journalists should receive regular training to produce credible, high-quality content. Research and skill development are key to strengthening public confidence.”
AFP’s Md Yeamin shared practical advice on tackling misinformation: “Users should critically assess flashy, emotional, or sensational posts before sharing them. Always verify with reliable sources first.”
Manzur Mohammad Shahriar, Deputy Secretary of the ICT Division, served as the session’s chief guest. In his speech, he underscored the growing importance of responsible journalism in the digital era.
“The speed of information flow has increased, but so have the risks of misinformation,” he said. “Journalists now play a vital role in maintaining public confidence. The media is not just a source of information but a symbol of truth, ethics, and responsibility.”
He added, “No information should be shared online without proper verification. Responsible journalism alone can uphold digital trust and social stability.”
BIGF Secretary General Mohammad Abdul Haque Anu said the forum continues to play a crucial role in facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue and shaping internet governance policy in Bangladesh.
The 20th edition of BIGF featured nine panel discussions and a special workshop for children and adolescents, engaging representatives from government, private sector, academia, civil society, youth, and the media over three days.
