Dhaka, The Hague discuss media freedom and AI challenges

Bangladesh has expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with the Netherlands in media and communication sectors as both countries discuss ways to address emerging challenges from artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms and misinformation.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon made the remarks on Wednesday when Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel met him at his Secretariat office in Dhaka.

During the meeting, Swapon said the incumbent government is working to bring qualitative changes in its activities and improve institutional performance.

Highlighting the challenges created by rapid technological advancement, the minister said new issues are emerging due to new media, artificial intelligence and the evolving digital ecosystem.

He said the state has the responsibility to ensure freedom of expression while protecting citizens from misinformation and disinformation.

Swapon stressed the need for a specific strategy to address these challenges and expressed interest in learning from the Netherlands’ experience in dealing with digital risks.

The minister also said Bangladesh is keen to work with the Netherlands in the field of media and communication.

Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel congratulated Swapon on taking charge as the Information and Broadcasting Minister.

The ambassador said the Netherlands has maintained a strong bilateral relationship with Bangladesh since the country’s independence, with cooperation expanding into areas including education, health, development, trade and commerce.

He expressed interest in working with the Bangladesh government to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Van Bommel also highlighted the importance of developing a new framework to tackle digital challenges and briefed the minister on various initiatives undertaken by the Netherlands in this area.

Secretary Mahbuba Farjana and Additional Secretary Md Shah Alam were present during the meeting.