Qadaruddin Shishir launches fact-checking organization to combat misinformation in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi journalist Qadaruddin Shishir has taken on a new mission to expose fake news after the student‑led protests that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. The protests sparked a wave of violence, including extrajudicial killings, and a surge of misinformation online. Shishir, a seasoned fact‑checker, has been tracing the origins of these false stories and publishing corrections on his social media channels.

The country is in the middle of a political transition. After the protests, the ruling party was forced to step down, and a new coalition has taken power. The shift has left many citizens uncertain about the truth of what happened on the streets and in the media. In this climate, misinformation can quickly erode public trust and fuel further unrest.

To counter the spread of falsehoods, Shishir has launched an independent organization dedicated to fact‑checking. The group publishes short, evidence‑based reports that are easy for ordinary readers to understand. It also offers training for aspiring fact‑checkers, aiming to build a network of journalists who can verify claims quickly and accurately. The organization has already attracted a small but growing team of volunteers who work on a variety of topics, from election coverage to health misinformation.

The impact of Shishir’s work could be long‑lasting. By providing reliable information, he hopes to restore confidence in the media and help the nation move past the chaos of 2024. The organization’s mentorship program is designed to nurture a new generation of journalists who value truth over sensationalism. If the initiative succeeds, it could set a new standard for journalism in Bangladesh and strengthen the country’s democratic foundations.