Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaliv Rahman has said that the current government is determined to bring positive changes in political culture, along with maintaining a conducive environment for independent media and free expression.
US Ambassador to Dhaka Brent T. Christensen paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Information and Broadcasting and State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Wednesday morning. Congratulating the newly appointed Information Minister, the Ambassador highlighted various aspects of the bilateral relations between the two countries.
At the meeting on media freedom and positive change, the Information Minister mentioned that the government is working to bring about a constructive transformation in the country’s political landscape along with running the state. Citing an example, he said that the state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) is currently broadcasting the political activities and news of the main opposition party with equal importance.
Referring to the governance of the past decade and a half, Andaliv Rahman said, “The experience of the past 17 years was not auspicious. However, the current government is trying to bring about a permanent positive change in the state with transparency and sincerity, without any ill intentions.”
The meeting highlighted various steps taken by the government to prevent defamatory statements on social media, the creation of fake accounts to create confusion, and the uncontrolled spread of misinformation , with emphasis on the use of AI .
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury said that ordinary citizens are the biggest victims of fake news. He stressed the need for effective institutional mechanisms as well as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to keep cyberspace safe. In response, the US ambassador urged for discussions and open exchange of views with stakeholders on information and cyber security.
US Commitment and Rohingya Crisis During the meeting, US Ambassador Brent T. Christensen said that the existing friendly relationship between Bangladesh and the United States is gradually getting stronger. He pledged to continue US assistance in eliminating infectious diseases in the health sector, in addition to trade and joint investments. He also reiterated Washington’s continued financial support for humanitarian assistance to the displaced Rohingya population.
Responding to a question regarding the controversial Cyber Security Act, the Information Minister clarified that the government has no intention of suppressing or controlling the media. Steps are being taken to create a safe and responsible digital medium while keeping the right to expression intact.
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