Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that protecting citizens from misinformation and disinformation has become a central priority of the government in the current digital environment.
He made the remarks while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the “Broadband Expo 2026” held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka on Monday.
The minister said that alongside ensuring the free flow of information, the government is now equally focused on preventing the misuse of digital platforms, which he warned could create serious social, political and economic challenges if left unchecked.
Swapon said that a balanced policy framework and improved infrastructure are essential to fully benefit from the country’s expanding digital ecosystem.
He noted that while restrictions on information flow and press freedom were once key concerns, the present challenge has shifted toward controlling the spread of false and misleading content online.
“People now have the right to be protected from misinformation and disinformation,” he said, adding that unchecked false information could destabilise society and undermine development efforts.
The minister stressed that a modern welfare state must ensure a supportive policy and tax environment for the digital sector, particularly to encourage small and medium entrepreneurs.
He also said that many citizens and businesses are still unable to fully benefit from digital opportunities due to an outdated “analogue mindset” and gaps in technological infrastructure.
Swapon pointed out that policy limitations and infrastructure challenges remain major barriers to digital growth, calling for coordinated efforts among government agencies, the telecom regulator BTRC, and private stakeholders to unlock the sector’s potential.
The Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Azad attended the event as special guest, while senior officials of BTRC, ICT experts and broadband industry representatives were also present at the programme.
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