A national seminar and award ceremony in Dhaka on 29 October brought together research, educational initiatives and recognition of young people’s contributions as Bangladesh marked Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2026.
The Department of Information Studies at East West University (EWU) organised the programme at its Manzur Elahi Auditorium, in collaboration with UNESCO Dhaka and the Media and Information Literacy Network Bangladesh (MILNetBD), with support from the UN Electoral Project–BALLOT.
Observed worldwide from 24 to 31 October, Global MIL Week promotes the skills to access, understand, critically evaluate, use, create and share information responsibly. This year’s theme, “We All Play a Part – Media and Information Literacy for the People”, highlights the shared responsibility of educators, journalists, policymakers, digital creators, civil society and young people in strengthening the information environment.
Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser to the Prime Minister, with responsibilities for Policy and Strategy, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, attended as Chief Guest. Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of EWU’s Board of Trustees and Founder Vice Chancellor, chaired the programme.
“Rather than imposing media and information literacy on people, we need to build awareness and encourage them to question information, including information that confirms their own beliefs. Misinformation and disinformation are global challenges. Seminars and public discussiocan help people of all ages develop the critical thinking needed to respond to them,” said Dr Zahed Ur Rahman.
Dr Susan Vize, Head of Office and UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, addressed the programme as a Special Guest. “Media and information literacy helps young people question information, think critically and make informed choices, including during elections. By embedding these skills in education and creating more opportunities for discussion and debate, we can support informed participation in democratic life,” said Dr Vize.
Professor Dr Mohammad Ashik Mosaddik, Vice Chancellor (Acting) of East West University, and Andrés del Castillo Sánchez, Chief Technical Advisor, UN Electoral Support–BALLOT, UNDP Bangladesh, also attended as Special Guests.
