Mohammad Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, has said the Cyber Security Act will be abolished within a week, and urged Norway to invest in Bangladesh in a meeting with the country's ambassador.
He expressed the government's desire to strengthen its partnership with Norway as a development ally and emphasized the hope for investment in these sectors.
The adviser made this call during a meeting with Norway's Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen at the ICT Division office on Monday.
Nahid Islam stated, “We have built a new Bangladesh through the student and public uprising. Over the past sixteen years, the oppressive government has engaged in widespread irregularities and corruption. The interim government has now embarked on the task of rebuilding the country to help both the nation and its people recover from the damage.”
He also requested Norway's guidance and support in this rebuilding effort.
Ambassador Hakon Arald Gulbrandsen assured him that Norway is ready to assist in the reconstruction of the new Bangladesh and will stand by the interim government.
When asked about the Cyber Security Act by the ambassador, the adviser said that the Act would be abolished within a week, and all cases filed under it would also be withdrawn. He added that not only this law but all laws that hinder freedom of expression are under review. He emphasized that decisions on reforms will be taken after consulting with stakeholders.
When asked about minority oppression, the adviser stated that minorities in Bangladesh are safe. Special security arrangements were made during the last Durga Puja, and holidays were extended.
He also commented that the previous fascist government had played political games with minorities, identifying them as a vote bank. Despite major incidents of minority oppression occurring during their regime, they did not pursue justice.
Nahid Islam requested Norway's cooperation in disseminating the truth about the July uprising, countering the various negative international propaganda surrounding the event.
