Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has recently directed the Bangladesh Missions abroad to take appropriate steps to counter propaganda against Bangladesh and the government ahead of the next national election.

“We think we need to work in a more proactive way as there might be more propaganda ahead of the elections,” Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seheli Sabrin, told reporters at a weekly briefing on Thursday.

She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have long been working on this issue and Bangladesh missions abroad uphold the country’s position with the host countries from where disinformation and misinformation are being spread.

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“A committee comprising three ministries – Information, Law, and Foreign Affairs – is working on it,” Sabrin said.

Experts at a discussion last week laid emphasis on pragmatic and effective steps to counter the anti-Bangladesh campaign and efforts to undermine the country’s achievements.

They emphasized on identifying the points from where disinformation and anti-Bangladesh propaganda are being spread and addressing it with proper counter efforts based on facts.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen hosted the views exchange programme at the Foreign Service Academy.

"In three places you need to give attention: London, Brussels and Washington DC. There is scope to work there," said former chairman of National Human Rights Commission Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, drawing the foreign minister’s attention at the discussion.

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At the meeting, Foreign Minister Momen also introduced Ferdousi Shahriar who will lead a cell on election observers.

Talking to reporters at the media briefing on Thursday, Seheli Sabrin said the special cell was set up for facilitating foreign observers for the upcoming national parliamentary election.

She said the cell will be in touch when anyone showing interest to observe the upcoming election.

The next national election is scheduled to be held in December this year or January, 2024.

“We will follow our own laws and the Election Commission rules to facilitate any observer,” she said, adding that they are yet to receive any request from any individual or organization.

Responding to a question, she said Bangladesh is trying to collect sufficient information about the construction of eight hydroelectric dams reportedly by China on the upstream of the Brahmaputra River.

"We are trying to collect sufficient information about this [the hydropower dams]. We will let you know later," said Seheli Sabrin.

Asked whether there have been any talks on an agreement over the water issue between Bangladesh and China, she said, "No, there has been no discussion."

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