en.Wedoany.com Reported - Bangladesh's Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated that his ministry will update existing laws, regulations, and policies under its jurisdiction to adapt to the new landscape shaped by rapid technological advancements and the expansion of the digital ecosystem. While chairing a ministry meeting on legal updates and legislative development, the minister noted that new laws would be enacted when necessary.
Swapon emphasized that digital technology has become deeply integrated into people's daily lives, communication, and social behavior. Although technology brings significant benefits, it has also given rise to new risks and challenges. He stated that identifying these challenges and incorporating them into an effective legal framework is a current necessity, and has instructed officials to review the legal frameworks of different countries to develop practical and contemporary recommendations suited to Bangladesh's context.
The ministry has already initiated a review of all existing laws, regulations, rules, and policies under its purview. Relevant officials will analyze which laws need modernization, which areas require new legislation, and where legal gaps exist, and will promptly submit recommendations. The minister pointed out that the regulatory scope of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry was previously mainly limited to print and broadcast media, but the rapid expansion of digital platforms and the broader digital ecosystem has spawned numerous new media outlets, many of which remain outside existing legislation. Therefore, modernizing the national legal framework in response to changing circumstances is crucial.
Swapon highlighted various laws enacted by the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States to regulate digital platforms and address emerging technological challenges. He has assigned officials to study and review the modern legal frameworks and experiences of these countries to help build a legal structure suitable for Bangladesh. He also emphasized that bringing cyberspace, digital transmission, and various technical services under an orderly regulatory framework requires collaborative efforts from both government and private sector stakeholders, and will seek input from relevant agencies, technical experts, and the telecommunications and infrastructure sectors.
The minister instructed relevant officials to promptly identify emerging challenges, determine relevant stakeholders, define areas of responsibility, and seek expert opinions when necessary. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farzana, Additional Secretary Shah Alam, members of the ministry's legal team, and senior officials attended the meeting.
