‘Proposed Cyber Security Act won’t gag media’

The proposed Cyber Security Act is not intended to curtail media freedom or the right to freedom of expression, but to address online harassment, misinformation, harmful content and the misuse of technology, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam has said.

“The formulation of such laws and policies will ensure that media freedom, civil rights and the right to freedom of expression remain intact,” he remarked during a courtesy meeting with Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks at the Posts and Telecommunications Division offices on Sunday.

The Minister underscored the need to strike a balance between addressing emerging cyber threats and safeguarding fundamental rights, stressing that the proposed legal framework would not undermine democratic freedoms.

The meeting discussed bilateral cooperation in digital transformation, cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure and investment in the technology sector. Particular emphasis was placed on secure digital identity systems, the proposed ‘One ID�"One Wallet’ initiative, the security of online financial transactions and personal data protection.

On the expanding application of AI, Anam observed that harnessing its potential must go hand in hand with employment generation, human resource development, information reliability and ethical use of technology.

He stressed the need to create employment opportunities for young people and recent graduates while strengthening technology-oriented skills to prepare the workforce for a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Ambassador Nicolas Weeks highlighted the importance of coordinated engagement among the government, private sector, educational institutions and civil society in advancing the technology sector. He noted that knowledge, skills and experience-sharing could open up significant avenues for deeper cooperation between the two countries.

The Ambassador also conveyed the interest of relevant Swedish institutions in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to develop digital public infrastructure and strengthen cyber security.