No action against govt critics, says state minister

MYMENSINGH, Aug 14: State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury has said that criticising the government or creating a narrative against the government is also part of the freedom of speech and freedom of the media. Therefore, no action will be taken against anyone. However, activities that are against the country’s independence, sovereignty and the interests of the people will be dealt with through the existing legal process.

He said these at a discussion on what to do to prevent the spread of misleading information and propaganda on social media at the Mymensingh Deputy Commissioner’s office on Thursday night.

Regarding the amendment of the Cyber Security Act, the State Minister said, “Work is underway to amend the law with utmost importance to the public interest. A high-level committee has been formed in this connection. Discussions are underway on how to make the law more effective and strong, taking into account the interests of the people and the state of Bangladesh.”

He said that extensive public consultation will be conducted by discussing with people from different classes and professions before enacting the law, adding that necessary measures will be taken to ensure that the law is not misused in any way.

He also said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, has taken the initiative to create various educational videos and reels which will be disseminated at various levels including schools and colleges.

Mymensingh DC Md Saifur Rahman chaired the meeting, while Superintendent of Police Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, Director of District Information Office Mir Akram Uddin Ahmed and Principal of Mominunnisa Government Women’s College Khan Md Sajjad Kabir also spoke.