‘Cybersecurity law not meant to curb press freedom’

The government is working to protect citizens’ personal data and strengthen cybersecurity while expanding digital services and infrastructure, Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam has said.

“Full respect will be shown for press freedom, citizens’ rights and freedom of expression in drafting the proposed law and policies,” he said.

The minister made the remarks when Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks paid a courtesy call on him at the Posts and Telecommunications Division, according to a ministry press release.

He said the proposed cybersecurity law was not intended to control freedom of expression or the media but to address online harassment, disinformation, harmful content and the misuse of technology.

Faqir Mahbub Anam, who is also the Science and Technology Minister, said the government was giving importance to the views of relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, experts, media representatives, technology institutions and other stakeholders in preparing the law.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation between Bangladesh and Sweden in digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure and investment in the technology sector.

The proposed “One ID-One Wallet” initiative, a secure digital identity system, the safety of online financial transactions and the expansion of citizen-friendly digital services were among the key topics.

Both sides stressed the need for greater cooperation in secure banking and identity technologies, personal data protection and the exchange of experience.

They also discussed the opportunities and challenges of AI and the importance of using the technology responsibly.

The minister said the country needed to consider employment, human resource development, information reliability and ethical issues while making use of AI.

He said creating future job opportunities for young people and new graduates, along with developing their technology-related skills, should receive priority.

Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks stressed coordinated participation by the government, private sector, educational institutions and civil society in this area.

He said Bangladesh and Sweden had considerable opportunities to exchange knowledge, skills and experience.

The ambassador also expressed interest in cooperation by relevant Swedish institutions in developing Bangladesh’s digital public infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity.

He said a predictable regulatory environment, equal opportunities for businesses and diverse technology partnerships could help expand investment and cooperation in digital infrastructure, telecommunications, cybersecurity and high-tech industries.

The meeting also discussed safe internet use among children and adolescents, parental roles in monitoring social media use and the importance of digital education.

Both sides highlighted the need for families, educational institutions, the state and technology platforms to work together to promote online safety and responsible digital citizenship.

They expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in digital technology, cybersecurity, AI and innovation.

First Secretary of the Swedish Embassy Olle Lundin was also present at the meeting.