Fake News Declared National Security Threat by Bangladesh Minister

On June 6, 2026, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon stated that fake news has become a national security threat in Bangladesh. He urged ICT experts to draft a national action plan to combat cyber risks and ensure online safety. The minister highlighted that the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has facilitated the creation and spread of misinformation, posing significant challenges to social stability and state interests. Swapon emphasized the need for realistic policy recommendations to address these issues effectively. He also pointed out the global trend of regulating technology giants like Meta Platforms and Google, which profit from content created by mainstream media without compensation. The discussion took place during a roundtable organized by the Nationalist ICT Forum (NICTF), where various experts shared insights on combating fake news and enhancing digital literacy.

Key Points: • Fake news is now considered a national security threat in Bangladesh. • The rise of AI has made the creation and dissemination of misinformation easier. • The government seeks actionable policy recommendations from ICT experts to combat cyber risks.