Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has requested assistance from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to tackle widespread misinformation and confusion surrounding the upcoming general elections on February 12.
In a telephone conversation with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday, January 13, Professor Yunus highlighted the issue, according to a statement from his Press Secretary, Shafiqul Alam.
Professor Yunus described the situation as “a kind of flood of false information” about the elections, originating from both foreign media and local sources.
He expressed concern over the spread of fake news, rumours, and speculation on social media, warning of their potential impact on the electoral process.
Türk acknowledged the scale of the challenge, stating that the OHCHR was aware of the issue and would provide support to address the growing problem of disinformation.
“The amount of misinformation is huge. We will do whatever is necessary,” he said, adding that the UN human rights agency would work closely with Bangladesh on this matter.
The discussion also covered several other key topics, including the forthcoming referendum (to be held alongside the election), the importance of institutional reforms, the work of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, the reconstitution of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the broader global geopolitical context.
Türk emphasised the need for a “truly independent” National Human Rights Commission to advance issues related to enforced disappearances.
In response, Professor Yunus confirmed that the necessary ordinance for forming the new NHRC had already been issued, and the commission would be reconstituted before the February 12 elections. “We will complete this before we leave office,” he assured.
The Chief Adviser also informed Türk that he had handed over the final report of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, describing it as a vital document for ensuring accountability and justice for victims of such violations during the period from 2009 to 2024.
Türk praised Professor Yunus's initiatives and leadership over the past one-and-a-half years, noting that his office had supported the work of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances and would continue to do so.