Our journey: Standing against misinformation in a challenging year
Dismislab began its journey as a research initiative under Digitally Right just two and a half years ago. In this relatively short span, 2024 was perhaps the most challenging year. From elections and anti-discrimination protests to the fall of the Awami League government, the formation of an interim administration, shifts in political alliances, and strained diplomatic ties, the year was rife with propaganda and misinformation. These waves deepened societal divides, often stoking mistrust and unrest.
In this volatile environment, Dismislab not only expanded its work and reach but also faced a stern test of responsibility and accountability. This article, as part of our commitment to transparency, reflects on Dismislab’s efforts in 2024 and sets out the expectations we aim to meet in the coming year.
2024: A Year of endeavors and trust
From the outset, Dismislab’s mission has been clear: to deliver accurate, evidence-based research and expose false or misleading information. Our ultimate goal is to promote information literacy and mitigate the social harms caused by disinformation. This work encompasses fact-checking, analyzing disinformation trends, and conducting in-depth, data-driven research. These findings are shared via our website and monthly newsletters.
In 2024, we published 183 pieces of content, including 139 fact-checks and 28 long-form research articles. Of these, 20 were data and evidence based reports, while eight explored trends in misinformation. We released 10 newsletters, which now boast a subscriber base exceeding 1,000.
But numbers tell only part of the story. The impact of our work is better measured by its influence: the extent to which readers and media outlets amplify our publications, whether the issues we highlight prompt solutions, and the trust and credibility we earn from our audience and stakeholders.
Our most widely discussed investigation last year revealed the operation of a bot network supporting the Awami League. This network, consisting of over 1,300 accounts, systematically sought to sway public opinion on Facebook by organizing pro-government comments. Another study, examining YouTube’s role in monetizing disinformation, was presented at multiple international forums. Among our other reports, highlights included exposes on online scams, fake media channels, and the alarming presence of gambling promotions on government websites. Some of these reports resulted in takedown of rogue YouTube channels and sparked conversations with the platforms.
At least 117 domestic and international media reports cited or republished our work, with six television talk shows dedicating episodes to our findings. For our small team of just half a dozen, such widespread coverage was invaluable, extending our reach to millions and fostering broader awareness about the harms of disinformation. We view this collaboration with traditional media as a vital alliance in the fight against falsehoods.
If 2023 was a year of building recognition, 2024 was undoubtedly a year of earning trust. Beyond social media discussions and media coverage, the acknowledgment of our work at international conferences and workshops stands as a testament to this trust.
Dismislab operates within a larger ecosystem of fact-checking organizations, each contributing uniquely to the collective fight against disinformation. We deeply respect the efforts of FactWatch, Rumor Scanner, BOOM Bangladesh, NewsChecker, and AFP Fact Check. In 2024, the cumulative output of fact-checking organizations working in Bangladesh nearly doubled compared to the previous year—a testament to the ecosystem’s growth and its positive ripple effects on all participants, including Dismislab.
The trials of responsibility
Disinformation sows division and distrust, and 2024 was a stark example of its impact on Bangladesh. Political, religious, and social divides grew more pronounced, driven by waves of falsehoods. In such times, organizations like Dismislab faced rigorous tests of fairness, objectivity, and responsibility.
These challenges were apparent from the very start of the year during the 12th National Parliamentary Election. They intensified during the anti-discrimination protests, the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government, and the subsequent formation of an interim administration. Dismislab’s fact-checks on AI-driven election disinformation, fake narratives around the protests, and their political connections received wide attention in both domestic and international media.
In the interim government’s early months, incidents of religious minority persecution were reported in several areas, alongside ethnic conflicts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where at least four lives were lost. Verifying claims surrounding these events—ranging from exaggerated casualty numbers to misinformation on attack against minorities—taught us the importance of exercising even greater care and accountability in our work.
Over the year, Dismislab’s reports were republished or cited approximately 130 times by national and international outlets—a reflection of the trust placed in our work. Despite operating with limited resources and personnel, our guiding principles have remained steadfast: providing facts and mitigating harm. We refrain from publishing claims, no matter how widely they circulate, unless we can definitively prove them to be false and harmful. Similarly, we prioritize fact-checking based on the potential harm a claim poses to beliefs, communities, or the state, regardless of its reach. Decisions are made through internal deliberations and expert consultation.
In the ecosystem of combating disinformation, Dismislab is but one part of a collective effort. Yet, with every report, every collaboration, and every ounce of trust earned, we remain resolute in our mission to fight disinformation and promote informed discourse.
Your views on our impact and limitations
In recent weeks, we turned to our audience and supporters with a simple yet profound question: how do you perceive our work? The responses were both humbling and illuminating. We were heartened to learn that our commitment to in-depth, evidence-based research has resonated across diverse communities. Many of you shared how our focus on disinformation networks, societal harm, and the accountability of social media platforms has fostered greater media literacy and awareness. The methodologies behind our work have not only sparked important conversations but also reinforced the credibility we’ve worked tirelessly to earn.
Yet, alongside these affirmations came candid critiques—insights we value just as deeply. You made it clear that while we’ve made strides, there is much more to be done. Our reach remains limited; our ability to connect with a broader audience is a challenge we must address with urgency. Despite the strength of our research, our underutilization of social media channels hampers our potential to inform and engage.
As we look to 2025—a year that promises significant political turbulence—you reminded us of the importance of fact-checking in countering disinformation. Investigative work is crucial, but so too is expanding the volume of fact-checks that many of you see as vital in navigating the complexities ahead.
We hear you. These insights are not just feedback—they are a call to action. As we step into this pivotal year, we reaffirm our commitment to meet your expectations.
Here is a detailed overview of your feedback:
