Zero-tolerance against cyberbullying
The government has completed all administrative procedures to form a special legal panel of lawyers to ensure swift action against deepfakes, disinformation and cyberbullying on social media, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the weekly press briefing at the Secretariat, Rahman said only the formal government notification remains, which is expected within the next one or two days as the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against such offences.
He said all necessary steps, including publishing the notice, receiving applications, conducting interviews and completing verification procedures, have already been completed.
The adviser said the government considers the misuse of information, particularly false information, smear campaigns and cyberbullying, a serious concern due to the rapid expansion of social media.
He said manipulated photos and videos, along with deepfake technology, are increasingly being used to damage reputations, create social instability and threaten public safety.
Rahman said women are among the most frequent victims of cyberbullying, facing targeted insults, threats, abusive comments and fake campaigns online.
The special legal panel, to be established under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, will not only respond to complaints but will also have the authority to initiate legal action independently when necessary.
He said the panel will handle cases considered important by the government and provide legal protection and quick support to victims.
Urging victims of cyberbullying, deepfakes, disinformation and online harassment to report incidents, he said freedom of expression on social media must be accompanied by responsible use.
He added that unlike mainstream media, which follows editorial verification procedures, social media allows instant sharing of information without similar safeguards.
Rahman said dengue infections have declined significantly compared with the same period last year.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh recorded 10,857 dengue cases and 37 deaths as of July 20, 2026, compared with 17,218 cases and 62 deaths during the same period in 2025.
He said coordinated government efforts have helped improve the overall situation, although every death remains a matter of concern.
On energy security, the adviser said a list of 40 companies has been finalised through an international competitive process for importing LNG from the spot market.
He said 29 out of the planned 150 onshore gas wells have already been completed, securing around 270.8 million MMCFT of gas production, of which 125.3 MMCFT has been supplied to the national gas grid.
The government aims to complete the remaining wells by 2030, which is expected to add around 1,491 MMCFT of gas production, he added.
Regarding food safety, Rahman said the government has issued the Safe Food Regulations 2026, requiring businesses involved in food production, import, processing, storage, transportation and marketing to register.
He said regular mobile courts and market inspections will continue to ensure food safety.
The adviser also announced that the government will launch the Probashi Card on a pilot basis in mid-August through state-owned banks.
Initially, the card will be provided to 50,000 expatriates by December and 200,000 by June next year before being managed through the Probashi Kallyan Bank.
The card will provide expatriates access to at least 10 services, he said.
Rahman said the government is promoting environmentally friendly jute bags as an alternative to polythene, while mobile courts continue taking action against environmental pollution.
He also said 16 of the 25 mills under Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) have been approved for operation under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements.
The move is expected to increase private investment, improve productivity, reduce government subsidy burdens and protect existing jobs, he added.
