US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen emphasised the need for the government to consult relevant stakeholders before enacting a cybersecurity law.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Information Minister Andaleeve Rahman at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Andaleeve assured the US envoy that the government had no intention of controlling the media through the proposed cybersecurity law.
“The government is taking necessary measures with responsible and honest intentions while upholding media freedom and the right to freedom of expression,” the minister said.
He said the government is committed to ensuring freedom of expression and maintaining an environment conducive to independent journalism.
At the same time, the government would take necessary measures to prevent the spread of defamatory statements, misinformation and disinformation on social media and other platforms, he said.
Andaleeve Rahman said the government is working not only to govern the state but also to bring positive changes to the country’s political culture.
As an example, he referred to Bangladesh Television’s (BTV) broadcasting of news about opposition parties.
“Our experience over the past 17 years has not been good. However, the current government is working with honest intentions to bring positive changes to the way the state is governed,” the minister said.
The minister also stressed the need for effective measures to combat misinformation and disinformation, including the use of artificial intelligence.
He said ordinary citizens were the primary victims of misinformation and disinformation.
Andaleeve said fake social media accounts were being used to spread misinformation and propaganda, stressing the need for effective measures to ensure that citizens feel safe while using social media platforms.
During the meeting, Ambassador Christensen said relations between Bangladesh and the United States are continuing to strengthen and expanding into areas including business and trade.
He also highlighted continued US financial assistance for the Rohingya community.
The ambassador said the United States is providing support in the health sector, particularly for the prevention of infectious diseases among the Rohingya population.
