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Supporting Parents in Tackling Internet Misinformation

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One of the quiet responsibilities of growing up is this: as our parents once looked after us, we begin to look out for them. But in today’s digital age, caregiving extends beyond health and comfort — it includes guiding them through the wild terrain of misinformation.

Most parents are now active on social media, scrolling through the same flood of content as we are. But here’s the catch — while we’ve developed some skepticism after growing up in the age of clickbait and chaos, our parents were raised in a different era. Back when newspapers were gospel and facts weren’t up for debate, if it was printed, it was trusted. The internet, though, plays by an entirely different set of rules — anyone can publish anything, and algorithms care more about engagement than truth. Fear, outrage, nostalgia — these are the lifeblood of viral misinformation.

And let’s be real — even we, the chronically online generation, sometimes struggle to tell truth from fiction. So imagine the uphill battle for our folks, many of whom are understandably hesitant to believe they could be misled. Telling them outright that something is false? That often leads to a defensive wall, not an open door.

So what works better? Gentle guidance. Instead of fact-checking for them, help them learn to fact-check for themselves. And no, they’re not as tech-clueless as memes might suggest. They’ve adapted to Facebook faster than we ever thought they would. Teaching them to verify news using reliable sources is a great place to start.

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A simple rule of thumb: if something is true, major news outlets will likely cover it within 24 hours. Encourage them to pause, wait, and cross-check before hitting that “share” button. Also, let’s not ignore the power of confirmation bias — when information fits our existing beliefs, especially political ones, it feels more “true.” Introducing parents to neutral, fact-based sources (both digital and traditional) can help balance their information diet.

Now, here’s where the algorithm creeps in like an uninvited guest: their social feeds might be way more misinformation-heavy than ours. Why? Because if they’ve engaged with even one sensational or conspiracy-laced video, the algorithm thinks, “Oh! You want more of this.” And then — boom — their feed becomes a misinformation buffet.

The fix? Help them curate their digital space. Teach them how to unfollow sketchy pages, report false content, and understand how recommendation systems work. Let them know: what they see isn’t “reality,” it’s a reflection of their clicks. Encourage diversity in the content they consume — because varied voices lead to better vision.

But here’s the key: don’t hover. Don’t become the internet police. Instead, empower them. Make them feel confident in verifying things themselves. Misinformation in Bangladesh’s current political climate isn’t just noise — it’s a weapon. It’s used to stir unrest, bend opinions, and serve hidden agendas. Protecting our parents from this isn’t just about family — it’s about building a society that’s better informed, more resilient, and harder to deceive.

They once taught us how to walk. Now, it’s our turn to walk them through the web.

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Youth

Dhaka Flow inaugurates ‘Transformation’ At Dutch Embassy

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The Transformation: Art of Alchemy exhibition was officially inaugurated on Wednesday at the Residence Gallery of the Dutch Embassy.

Guests explored evocative works by featured artists Vinita Karim, Rokeya Sultana, Asma Akber, Abdus Shakoor, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha, Biplob Chakraborty, and Ranjit Das.

The exhibition space allowed for meaningful dialogue on the transformative power of art in healing and wellbeing.

“Community healing begins with the shared processing of grief, joy, confusion, and hope,” said Shazia Omar, founder and CEO of Dhaka Flow.

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“Through this visual exhibition and our workshops, we wanted to curate a multi-dimensional experience that highlighted the importance of shared creative expression in community healing.”

“Transformation: Art of Alchemy” was a powerful step forward in Dhaka Flow’s mission to create spaces where art and wellness intersect.

As we look ahead, we are committed to deepening this work—especially by uplifting emerging and youth artists across Bangladesh. Our vision is to keep expanding opportunities for shared creative expression, and to continue exploring the ways art and community can support collective wellbeing.

Alongside the artwork, Dhaka Flow has conducted a breathwork—meditation session in the space, with another one coming up soon.

They are also hosting three art workshops at the Dhaka Flow studio, and attendees are invited to sign up using the link below.

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The Dhaka Flow team was present to greet visitors and share their vision for more events that celebrate artists and create space for transformation through movement, breath, and art.

In August, the space will host another exhibition presenting youth artwork from around the country.

The exhibition remains open until the end of July, and paintings can be viewed every Saturday from 12–5pm by appointment only.

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Youth

Mystery at the Station: Youth Who Attacked ASI Found Dead in Pond Near Gaibandha Police

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A bizarre and chilling chain of events unfolded at Saghata Police Station in Gaibandha, leaving a community in shock and a mystery in its wake. A young man who had barged into the station, attempted to snatch a rifle, and stabbed an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), was found dead in a nearby pond early Friday morning.

The drama began around 10:00 PM on Thursday, when the unidentified youth, believed to be in his late twenties, entered the police station claiming he wanted to file a complaint. Things quickly escalated. According to police and eyewitnesses, an argument broke out when the computer operator asked the youth to write down the complaint himself and bring it in.

Suddenly, the youth lunged at a constable, trying to grab his rifle. In the chaos that followed, ASI Mohsin Mia and others rushed in to stop him. A scuffle broke out, and the youth managed to stab ASI Mohsin before fleeing into the night.

As it happened, a local arbitration meeting was being held right outside the station. Locals and police joined forces in hot pursuit. Moments later, the youth was seen diving into the pond beside Saghata Pilot High School, trying to hide under thick water hyacinths.

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The area was cordoned off, and police kept vigil overnight. Locals eventually went home. But when dawn broke, the Fire Service recovered the youth’s lifeless body from the pond. Whether he drowned or succumbed to other causes is still unknown. His body was taken to the station and later sent to Gaibandha General Hospital for an autopsy.

Speaking to Prothom Alo, Officer-in-Charge Badsha Alam confirmed the incident, saying:

“We cannot confirm the cause of death until we receive the post-mortem report. A legal investigation is underway, and we are working to identify the individual.”

He added that ASI Mohsin suffered injuries to his hand and forehead and was treated at Saghata Upazila Health Complex. A formal briefing on the incident is expected soon.

One eyewitness, Abdullah Mondal, recounted the surreal scene:

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“There was a loud commotion, and then I saw this unknown young man running like his life depended on it, with cops and locals behind him. Then—splash—he dove into the pond. But after that… nothing.”

As authorities dig into the circumstances surrounding this strange encounter, one question lingers in the air: Who was he, and what drove him to charge into a police station with chaos in his eyes and a knife in his hand?

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Youth

Words That Win: Global Spell Bee 2025 National Final Wraps Up at North South University

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The air at North South University buzzed with brains and big dreams as the national finale of Global Spell Bee 2025 reached its crescendo. Students from across the country battled it out with syllables and synonyms, showing off not just stellar spelling skills but razor-sharp thinking and academic brilliance.

Organised by EduPro Concepts BD Ltd. in collaboration with GateKeepr and Help the Future, and proudly hosted by the North South University Debate Club, this event wasn’t just a spelling showdown—it was a stage where young minds from grades 4 to 12 danced with words, discovered their potential, and learned to roar (politely, of course) in perfect English.

The event is a part of the internationally recognized Global Spell Bee, and the stakes were sky-high. Winners from this round will pack their dictionaries and dreams for Dubai this October, where they’ll go head-to-head with contestants from nearly 50 countries for a shot at global recognition—and one life-changing educational journey.

The grand finale drew in an impressive crowd of guests and dignitaries. Chief Guest Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU and Chairman of Grameen Bank, lit up the stage with encouragement:

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“Competitions like the Global Spell Bee help students become smarter, more confident, and better at expressing their thoughts. The moment you stepped in and competed, you already won.”

Stephen Forbes, Country Director of the British Council Bangladesh, chimed in with wise words wrapped in inspiration:

“Education gives you choices. The more you learn, the more life brings you options.”

Also present was Mohammad Inzamul Haque, Assistant Personal Secretary to the Education Adviser at the Ministry of Education, who praised the competition for going beyond grades and grammar:

“It builds confidence, discipline, and communication—skills that are essential for the world these students are stepping into.”

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The competition itself? Oh, it was fierce. It had everything—from intense written and oral rounds to workshops, mentorship marathons, and plenty of “spell-offs.” Contestants had access to premium vocabulary resources and coaching that leveled up their comprehension and communication game.

In the senior category, the finale was so tight, it needed a tiebreaker—because apparently, excellence decided to show up twice. Eventually, Nabiha Tahseen Nubah from Sunnydale School claimed the crown. Over in the junior category, Ibnat Namira Ahmed from Summerfield International School stole the spotlight.

Every participant walked away with medals and certificates, but more than that—they carried home confidence, connections, and a renewed love for learning.

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Editor : Jashim Uddin ; Publisher: Rafiqul Alam Address: Bengal Centre (6th floor), 28 Topkhana Road, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh Ph :+8802-7124586 e-mail:dailyfrontlinebd@gmail.com Copyright © 2020 Daily Frontline. Bangladesh Independent Daily.