Dhaka seeks stronger media ties with Netherlands

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Wednesday expressed Bangladesh’s interest in strengthening cooperation with the Netherlands in the fields of media, communication and digital information management.

He made the remarks during a courtesy meeting with Dutch Ambassador Joris van Bommel at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

During the meeting, Swapon said the present government is working to bring qualitative improvements to governance and public services, including the information and broadcasting sector.

He noted that the rapid expansion of new media platforms, artificial intelligence and the evolving digital ecosystem has created new opportunities as well as significant challenges for governments around the world.

The minister said it is the responsibility of the state to safeguard freedom of expression while also protecting citizens from the growing threats of misinformation and disinformation.

He stressed the need for a well-defined national strategy to address these challenges and expressed interest in learning from the Netherlands’ experience in regulating digital media and tackling false information.

Ambassador Joris van Bommel congratulated Swapon on assuming office and reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh.

He said bilateral relations between the two countries have grown steadily since Bangladesh’s independence and now encompass a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, development cooperation, trade and commerce.

The ambassador expressed his country’s willingness to work closely with Bangladesh to further deepen cooperation, particularly in addressing emerging digital challenges.

He also highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Netherlands to develop policy frameworks for the digital age, including efforts to combat misinformation and promote responsible use of digital technologies.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana and Additional Secretary Md Shah Alam were also present at the meeting.