A roundtable discussion in Chattogram on Wednesday, February 4, highlighted the growing role of young voters and the risks posed by misinformation, artificial intelligence misuse and deepfakes ahead of the national election. The event, organised by Youth Voice of Bangladesh (YVB), was held at the Chattogram Zilla Parishad Auditorium.
Around 24 speakers joined the roundtable alongside about 150 university students from across Chattogram. Key participants included Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, political analyst Major (Retd) Rezaul Karim, Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director Baby Hasan, Nari Oikko Bangladesh founder president Jesmina Khanam and several academics, legal professionals and media representatives.
The session was chaired by YVB chairman Barrister Tareque Akbar Khondakar. He warned that social media can shape political outcomes, citing the Arab Spring as an example of how digital platforms influenced mass movements and political change.
Speakers at the roundtable stressed that informed participation, digital literacy and responsible use of technology are essential for a free and credible election. They said a large number of new young voters have recently joined the electorate. Tareque urged new voters to take part in elections and to verify information before sharing content online.
Discussions also focused on the spread of online propaganda and the need to counter rumours and misleading information.
The event was titled “Youth, Elections and Digital Challenges”. Speakers were grouped under four categories: governance and public service, education and academia, law and judiciary, and media and journalism.
Organisers said the goal of the roundtable was to strengthen democratic values among young people and encourage responsible civic engagement in an evolving digital landscape.
