About Us

Digonto, named after the Bangla word meaning "horizon," is a premier monitoring initiative dedicated to tracking the most consequential developments surrounding the upcoming elections in Bangladesh.

As an initiative of SecDev, supported by the Government of Canada and in partnership with the UNDP, we provide a reliable, evidence-based platform for understanding political violence, intimidation, and election-related risks.

Our Mission

In a fast-moving information environment, clarity is often the first casualty. Digonto was created to provide a transparent, "ground-truth" view of the electoral landscape.

We bridge the gap between fragmented news reports and high-level strategic analysis, ensuring that stakeholders have the data they need to foster a safer and more transparent democratic process.

The Digonto Pipeline: AI Speed, Human Reliability

At the heart of our portal is a rigorous data journey. We believe that technology should empower human judgment, not replace it. Our system brings together the best of both worlds:

• Automated Pulse: Every 24 hours, our pipeline scans hundreds of sources to capture incidents in real-time.
• AI-Driven Intelligence: We use advanced AI to filter noise and automatically annotate raw data, categorizing events with speed and precision.
• The Human Anchor: Human analysts check quality of annotation and fill the gap if anything is missed by the automated system
• Expert Analysis: Once the data is clean, our team uses AI-supported tools to identify "hotspots," detect trends, and provide early warnings.

Modular & Adaptive Technology

While our current focus is the election cycle, the Digonto framework is built for the future. Our technology is modular in nature, meaning it can be seamlessly adapted to monitor a wide range of critical issues, including:

• Social Cohesion: Identifying early warning signals for social tension or communal friction.
• Peace & Conflict: Monitoring stability at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Risk Assessment: Tracking specific threats to vulnerable groups or infrastructure.

By combining institutional support with innovative technology, Digonto serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to understand the complex dynamics of Bangladesh today.

Data Collection

Bangladesh Watch aggregates information from multiple sources to provide comprehensive situational awareness. Our collection methodology prioritizes reliability, timeliness, and geographic coverage across Bangladesh.

• Open Source Media: Continuous monitoring of local and international news outlets, with emphasis on ground-level reporting and verified journalist networks.
• Digital Telemetry: Analysis of network performance data, social media activity patterns, and platform accessibility metrics to detect potential disruptions.
• Partner Networks: Collaboration with civil society organizations, academic institutions, and local observers who provide ground-truth verification.
• Official Channels: Monitoring of government announcements, security advisories, and institutional communications.

Analysis Framework

Our analytical approach combines quantitative metrics with qualitative assessment to provide actionable intelligence. Key elements include:

• Incident Classification: Events are categorized by type (physical/digital), severity, and geographic scope using standardized criteria developed in consultation with regional experts.
• Pattern Recognition: Historical data analysis to identify escalation indicators, cyclical trends, and anomalous activity that may signal emerging situations.
• Correlation Analysis: Cross-referencing physical events with digital signals to understand the relationship between online organizing and on-ground manifestations.
• Confidence Assessment: All reports include source reliability ratings and confidence levels to enable informed decision-making.

Reporting Standards

We adhere to strict standards for accuracy, impartiality, and responsible disclosure:

• Verification: Multiple-source confirmation required for all significant incidents before public reporting.
• Neutrality: Analysis focuses on observable facts and documented patterns, avoiding political commentary or advocacy positions.
• Privacy Protection: Individual identities are protected except where public accountability is clearly relevant.
• Correction Policy: Errors are acknowledged and corrected promptly with full transparency.

Limitations

We acknowledge inherent limitations in our monitoring capabilities:

• Geographic coverage may be uneven, with urban areas typically better documented than rural regions.
• Digital monitoring depends on platform accessibility and may be affected by network restrictions or technical limitations.
• Rapid-onset events may initially be reported with incomplete information, subject to subsequent updates and corrections.
• Our analysis reflects available evidence and should be considered alongside other authoritative sources.