Criticism of govt allowed, anti-state narratives to face action: State Min Yasser

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury has said everyone has the right to criticise the government, but narratives against the state will be dealt with firmly.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled “What to Do to Prevent the Spread of Misleading Information and Propaganda on Social Media” at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference room on Thursday night.

The state minister said the government is working on amendments to the Cyber Security Act and has formed a high-level committee for the purpose.

“Discussions are underway on how to make the law more effective and stronger, giving the highest priority to the interests of the people and the country,” he said.

Recalling his own experience of cyberbullying during the previous regime, Yasser said, “I was also subjected to obscene verbal abuse through cyberbullying.”

He said the law is not being enacted against any political party or individual, nor is it intended to prevent criticism of the government.

“But if narratives are created against the country and its people, they will be dealt with a strong hand,” he said.

Yasser said an initiative has been taken to raise students’ awareness at educational institutions once a week about preventing the spread of misleading information and propaganda.

Deputy Commissioner Saifur Rahman presided over the meeting.

Police Super Mohammad Kamrul Hasan said taking steps to prevent the spread of misleading information and propaganda is now the demand of the time.

Additional Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Director of the Local Government Division Umme Habiba Meera presented the keynote paper.

Heads of various government departments, journalists, teachers and students attended the event.