Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Thursday warned of tougher action against those involved in spreading propaganda and misinformation about Bangladesh through social media platforms, saying the government would not tolerate attempts to tarnish the country's image internationally.

Speaking during a courtesy meeting with Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh Yousef S. Y. Ramadan at his office in the Ministry of Home Affairs, the minister said Bangladesh is a progressive and moderate Muslim-majority country, and any effort to portray it otherwise on social media to undermine its global reputation would be dealt with firmly.

He said those involved in such cybercrimes and propaganda would be identified through proper investigations, brought to justice without delay and face exemplary punishment.

During the meeting, the minister and the Palestinian envoy also discussed bilateral cooperation, law and order, security issues, and measures to facilitate visa support for Palestinian students pursuing higher education in Bangladesh.