Diplomatic Desk:
Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, has invited Meta Platforms Inc.—one of the world’s leading technology companies—to open an office in Bangladesh.
She extended this invitation during a high-level meeting between the Bangladesh delegation and Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan, in New York on Tuesday (September 22) on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Although Prime Minister Tareq Rahman was scheduled to join the meeting, he could not attend due to time constraints; State Minister Shama Obaed Islam led the Bangladesh side. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced these details in a statement.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s large user base, the State Minister discussed the country’s relationship with Meta and various issues concerning digital platforms in the nation.
Discussions also covered the potential to further strengthen Bangladesh’s digital economy and e-commerce sectors. In particular, they exchanged views on how Meta’s platforms and technologies could support the growth of Bangladeshi businesses, entrepreneurs, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and digital commerce.
Shama Obaed Islam urged Meta to establish an office in Bangladesh. At the same time, she emphasized the need for more effective measures to prevent online harassment, abuse, and digital persecution.
The State Minister also discussed Bangladesh’s proposed Cyber Security Act with Meta’s Chief Global Affairs Officer, Joel Kaplan.
Prime Minister’s Advisor Rehan Asif Asad, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN Irene Khan, and Deputy Permanent Representative AKM Wahiduzzaman were present at the meeting.
Later, during a briefing with journalists in New York, Shama Obaed stated that interest was expressed regarding the establishment of an office or a focal point in Dhaka during the meeting with Meta. She added that Meta is also keen to cooperate in the expansion of e-commerce and online business in Bangladesh.
This meeting with Meta took place on the first day of the Prime Minister’s visit for the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.
