Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has sought Australian cooperation in utilizing their knowledge, experience, and technological expertise in forming a strong and independent media commission and in preventing misuse of AI. He sought the support when Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Susan Ryle paid a courtesy call on him at his secretariat office here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Swapon highlighted the growing challenge posed by the spread of disinformation and misinformation through artificial intelligence (AI) and various social media platforms. He expressed the importance of addressing these issues both globally and nationally. The minister also informed the Australian envoy about various people-oriented initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh government for public welfare, including the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes, emphasizing their economic significance.
Swapon stressed the need for qualitative and institutional reforms in the country’s media sector, noting that the government has initiated steps to establish an independent and strong media commission. The Australian High Commissioner praised the current government’s social welfare initiatives and assured Australia’s full technical and technological support in addressing the negative impacts of information technology and in establishing the media commission in Bangladesh.
Senior officials from the ministry and the Australian High Commission in Dhaka were present during the meeting.