Global Media and Information Literacy Week 2024: University of Dhaka Marks Significant Event
Md. Anwarul Islam
DU, Dhaka 20 December, 2024
Photo: The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information
Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is celebrated worldwide from October 24 to 31. This year, the Department of Information Science and Library Management (ISLM) at the University of Dhaka, in collaboration with UNESCO Dhaka and the South Asia Chapter of the Association for Information Science and Technology (ASIS&T), organised a seminar titled “The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for Public Interest Information.”
The seminar featured Honorable Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed as Chief Guest. Special guests included UNESCO Dhaka’s Communication and Information Sector Lead Ms. Noore Jannat Proma and Dr. Md. Moniruzzaman, former head of the United Nations Information Center, Dhaka.
Professor Dr. Kazi Mostak Gausul Hoq, seminar convener, delivered the opening speech. Professor Md. Anwarul Islam discussed MIL, highlighting its 50th anniversary since the term’s inception in 1974 and ASIS&T’s global initiatives.
Keynote speaker Professor Dr. S.M. Zabed Ahmed emphasized integrating MIL into university curricula. Ms. Proma addressed misinformation and disinformation, outlining UNESCO’s awareness-building efforts. Dr. Moniruzzaman discussed the United Nations’ role in combating misinformation during the pandemic.
Chief Guest Professor Ahmed underscored MIL’s significance, sharing professional experiences. He commended the ISLM Department for the timely seminar and pledged support for future MIL activities.
The seminar concluded with the ISLM Department Chairman’s vote of thanks. The event drew teachers, students and participants, fostering discussions on MIL’s importance in today’s digital landscape.
Faculty member Rowshon Akter, Associate Professor at the University of Dhaka’s Department of Information Science and Library Management, expertly moderated the seminar, bringing her extensive research experience to the forefront. Her skillful anchoring ensured seamless interactions among participants, fostering meaningful dialogue on media and information literacy’s significance in today’s digital landscape.