The Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday said Cyber Security Act will play an effective role in curbing the culture of abusive language, which has emerged in the country’s politics over the last two years.
“A culture of abusive language has emerged in politics over the past two years, which is in no way acceptable,” said the parliamentary body at its first meeting.
The committee also urged all concerned to act responsibly from their respective positions to prevent misinformation and propaganda on social media, according to a press release.
The meeting was held at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban with committee Chairman Md Amanullah Aman in the chair.
The committee stressed ensuring accountability in the activities of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and expressed the view that its activities should be conducted transparently.
It also emphasised the need to carry out the ministry’s activities with renewed vigour after moving beyond the “various disgraces” of the past 17 years.
The body recalled the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in ensuring freedom of journalists.
It said everyone has the right to freedom of expression and noted that the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) serves as an important platform for journalists to exercise their freedom of expression and professional freedom.
The parliamentary committee stressed the need for necessary reforms and repairs to the JPC, as well as modernising and improving its auditorium.
The overall activities of the ministry and its subordinate departments and agencies were presented in the meeting.
Committee members Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman, State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury, Md Ashraf Uddin, Md Mustafizur Rahman Babul, Md Mazibur Rahman, Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, Fahmida Haq, Md Shafiqul Islam and Nazmun Nahar attended the meeting.
The information and broadcasting secretary, and high officials from the departments under the ministry, and the Parliament Secretariat were also present.