Dhaka:Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal stated that freedom of speech should not be suppressed in the name of security, while also emphasizing that disinformation should not be permitted to undermine others' dignity under the guise of freedom of expression.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Deputy Speaker made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Challenges to Security and Human Rights in the Digital Age Combating Misinformation and Disinformation in the Bangladesh Context," organized by the Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies (FSSS) of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).
Kayser Kamal criticized the previous government's use of the ICT Act, Digital Security Act, and Cyber Security Act as tools for imprisoning students, silencing journalists, and suppressing dissent over the past decade. He assured that the current government is committed to preventing a recurrence of such practices.
He encouraged students to become ambassadors of truth by verifying sources and questioning the motives behind sensational online content before sharing it. He also paid tribute to BUP alumnus Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho and others who were martyred during the July Mass Uprising, highlighting the pivotal role students played in resisting authoritarian rule and restoring democracy.
The Deputy Speaker warned of the growing threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, online harassment, cybercrime, hate speech, and the misuse of artificial intelligence to security and human dignity. He called for the integration of digital literacy, information verification, and responsible online behavior into educational curricula.
He urged media outlets to maintain professional ethics and called on social media platforms to ensure transparency and effective mechanisms to address harmful false information. The seminar featured panel discussions with Prime Minister's Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Lieutenant General Muhammad Mahfuzur Rahman, and BUP faculty members, and was attended by the BUP Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, faculty members, students, and media representatives.