‘Dhaka seeks Aussie support to prevent tech misuse’

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon informed the Australian envoy about various people-oriented initiatives undertaken by Bangladesh government for public welfare, including the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes, as well as their economic significance.

He has sought Australian cooperation in utilizing their knowledge, experience and technological expertise in forming a strong and independent media commission and in preventing misuse of AI. He sought the support when Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on him at his secretariat office on Thursday.

The minister said spread of disinformation and misinformation through artificial intelligence (AI) and various social media platforms has now become a major global and national challenge. Emphasizing qualitative and institutional reforms in the country’s media sector, Swapon said the government has taken the initiative to establish an independent and strong media commission.

The Australian envoy praised the current government’s social welfare initiatives. She also assured Australia’s full technical and technological support in addressing the negative impacts of information technology and in establishing the media commission in Bangladesh. Senior officials from the ministry and the Australian High Commission in Dhaka were present.