A certificate distribution and interactive discussion session was held in Khulna following a two-day training workshop on “Combating Rumors through Fact-Checking.”
The event took place today, Thursday, 17 July 2025, at the CSS Ava Center in Khulna.
This initiative was part of the project titled “Empowering Media Professionals, Girl Students, and Minority Women through Awareness on Digital Threats and Security Measures,” funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh. The project is being locally implemented in Khulna district by Community Welfare Foundation, a partner NGO.
A total of 20 students from various colleges, universities, medical institutions, and madrasahs in Khulna participated in the session.
During the discussion, participants shared their experiences and reflections. They expressed that they had learned how to identify and verify fake information using digital tools such as Google Reverse Image Search, InVID, Google Advanced Search, and web archiving techniques.
Participants proposed the creation of a dedicated fact-checking platform where they could regularly upload verified content. They believed such a platform could contribute meaningfully in tackling misinformation and disinformation at the national level.
The session was graced by Gazi Zakir Hossain, Director of the Khulna Divisional Information Office, as the Chief Guest. Md. Alimuzzaman Khan, Programmer at the District ICT Office, Khulna, and Shariful Islam, Professor at the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Khulna University, were present as Special Guests.
Gazi Zakir Hossain remarked, “If people do not feel the urge to act, they will not feel the urge to learn. Rumor is like a storm—we must stand against it. These new fact-checkers will play a vital role in this effort moving forward.”
Md. Alimuzzaman Khan emphasized,“From now on, these young fact-checkers must keep their eyes open to detect misleading content. They can collectively report false information on platforms like Facebook, and also inform the Cyber Security Cell under the ICT Division.”
He added,“We hope they will use this skill set in service of the country.”
Also present at the closing session were officials from the South Asia Center for Media in Development (SACMID) and Husne Ara Begum, Executive Director of Community Welfare Foundation.
This program is part of SACMID’s broader initiative on “Raising Awareness Among Media Professionals, Girl Students, and Community Women on Digital Threats and Security Measures.” The project aims to enhance digital literacy, fact-checking capacity, and cybersecurity awareness among youth and women across Bangladesh.
