Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
UNESCO continues to support initiatives protecting information integrity, freedom of expression, media diversity, community media, and journalist safety in Bangladesh during a key transitional period. The Media Needs Assessment, facilitated by the Media Development Partnership, has catalyzed further resource mobilization and influenced the design and expansion of the electoral assistance project BALLOT ahead of the February 2026 elections. This project, jointly implemented by UNESCO, UNDP, and UN Women, has UNESCO leading on media and elections.
In 2024, after the Practical Manual on Disability Equality in the Media was translated into Bangla and awareness sessions were held with media professionals across Dhaka, Editor Reaz Ahmad of the Dhaka Tribune noted that UNESCO's ongoing efforts have positively impacted the media ecosystem by promoting freedom of expression, improving journalist safety, and amplifying voices of persons with disabilities. He also highlighted that these sessions influenced the Dhaka Tribune’s decision to become the first media outlet in Bangladesh to recruit persons with disabilities.
As part of the BALLOT project, UNESCO organized training sessions for journalists on election reporting, fact-checking, maintaining information integrity, and ensuring safety online and offline ahead of the 2026 elections. UNESCO also convened civil society and digital platforms to collaborate on strategies that promote electoral information integrity and address digital risks related to elections.