Desk Report:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that it is no longer just a problem analysis to tackle fake news, misinformation, disinformation and growing digital risks, but realistic solutions and an effective national action plan are needed. He urged experts in this regard to present a timely and realistic draft National Action Plan (e-Safety Plan) to the government.
The Information Minister made these remarks as the chief guest at a roundtable meeting titled ‘Policy, Technology and Accountability to Combat Fake News in Bangladesh’ organized by the Nationalist ICT Forum at the Engineers Institution in the capital on Saturday (June 6, 2026).
The Information Minister said that it is important to increase the subject-based knowledge and capacity of policymakers before the common people to tackle the challenges of fake news and disinformation. He said, “It will be much easier to deal with such challenges if proper policymaking, strong policy framework and technology-based implementation framework are created.”
Stating that the rapid spread of artificial intelligence can have a long-term impact on civilization, economy and employment, he emphasized on taking into account its positive uses as well as potential risks.
The minister said, in today’s world, not only border security, but also digital infrastructure and data security have become strategically important issues. He called for strengthening its security framework along with increasing digital capabilities.
Stating that the government is involving experts more in the policymaking process, the minister said, “It is not possible to deal with the complex challenges of today’s world without knowledge-based and merit-based decision-making.”
Addressing the members of the Nationalist ICT Forum and technology experts, the Information Minister said, “There has been a lot of discussion on the problem. Now is the time to solve it. I am waiting for a clear, realistic and timely national action plan.”
He expressed hope that the action plan proposed by the experts will play a helpful role in building a safe, technologically capable and non-discriminatory Bangladesh.
The meeting was attended by AEB convener Engineer Shahrin Islam Tuhin and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Information, Communication and Technology Secretary AKM Wahiduzzaman, along with experts related to information technology, cybersecurity, media and policymaking.
