Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Monday said that tackling misinformation and disinformation has turned into a “war” for the Information Ministry.
He made the remarks after a meeting with US Ambassador to Bangladesh Brent T Christensen, while speaking to journalists.
The minister said the discussion highlighted that misinformation and disinformation remain a major global challenge. He said it has become a “war-like situation” for the ministry to combat such content.
He added “Digital platforms have created opportunities that are increasingly being misused to spread misinformation. This has created serious problems in social, state and civic life.”
The minister said “Protecting citizens from misinformation while ensuring media freedom has become a dual responsibility for the government.”
He farther said the ministry now has to balance media freedom with what he described as “balanced freedom”, as misuse of freedom on social media is causing harm to the public.
Zahir Uddin Swapon also mentioned “Freedom of the press was once the main challenge, but now the challenge is ensuring responsible use of that freedom.”
He said the meeting also discussed Bangladesh–US relations.
He noted that the United States is the largest destination for Bangladesh’s garment exports, the biggest development partner in humanitarian assistance, and a key partner in resolving the Rohingya crisis.
He also mentioned both sides want to further strengthen the relationship.
The minister said the global media environment is now under significant challenge.
He added that the discussion focused on how Bangladesh and the United States can share experiences in managing the emerging digital ecosystem, especially as the US is technologically advanced in this area.
He then said the meeting also discussed how the US Federal Commission for Media operates.
“Bangladesh has announced plans to form a media commission, and the United States has assured moral support in taking that initiative forward” he added.
