The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organized a Fact-Checking Training Workshop on March 10, 2025, at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Dhaka. This workshop is part of CGS’s ongoing initiative to strengthen media integrity across all divisional cities in Bangladesh. A total of 21 journalists from national and local television, print, and online platforms participated, enhancing their skills to combat misinformation effectively.

In his opening speech, Zillur Rahman, Executive Director of CGS, emphasized the importance of identifying misinformation and cited an example of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims about a $29 million aid package for Bangladesh under Democracy International. “Misinformation and rumours have increasingly threatened public awareness and social stability since August 5, 2024,” he remarked. “This initiative reflects CGS’s commitment to fostering responsible journalism through fact-checking workshops nationwide, equipping professionals with essential tools for accurate reporting.”

Qadaruddin Shishir, Fact-Checking Editor for AFP Bangladesh, led the workshop, providing practical training on advanced fact-checking techniques, tools, and verification methods. Participants engaged in interactive activities and learned how to integrate these skills into their daily reporting processes, enhancing their capacity to verify information accurately.

As part of CGS's ongoing study on fact-checking in Bangladesh, the event also included a Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Journalists participated by sharing their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in tackling misinformation, providing valuable insights for CGS's research efforts.

During the session, journalists were introduced to CGS’s Fact-Checking Hub (www.factcheckinghub.com), a new platform designed to track and address misinformation in Bangladesh. The hub aggregates verified data from established fact-checking organizations, offering a centralized resource for media professionals.

This workshop was a component of CGS’s “Defending Digital Spaces and Uniting Against Misinformation in Bangladesh” program, aiming to promote responsible journalism and empower professionals to safeguard the country’s digital and civic spaces. CGS continues to lead efforts in combating misinformation, fostering collaboration, and enhancing media literacy nationwide.