The United States has raised concerns regarding the emergence of “deep fakes” in Bangladesh, particularly in the context of its upcoming national election. This issue is seen as part of a global trend where artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to manipulate democratic processes.
During a press briefing in Washington on December 13, US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted the worrying development of deep fakes in election-related disinformation in Bangladesh.
A questioner at the briefing claimed that Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam had said they will be able to “manage” United States.
In reply, Miller urged the government of Bangladesh to work with all stakeholders to create conditions in which everyone may participate in the pre-election and election environment freely, without fear of violence or retribution.
“It is our belief that a healthy democracy benefits from a variety of voices speaking freely, engaged in dialogue and discussion in an exchange about the issues of the day,” said the US State Department spokesperson.
Miller also said they are “deeply concerned” by the reports of mass arrests of opposition members and reports of torture in prison.
Foreign Minister Momen earlier said they are not harassing anyone on political grounds but arresting those who were involved in arson attacks on vehicles and people and who were destroying public and private properties.
Miller urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid violence.
Foreign Minister Momen recently said both Bangladesh and the US want free and fair elections in Bangladesh and in addition the US wants to see non-violent elections.
Momen said they cannot guarantee non-violent election as it depends on the sincerity and willingness of all including political leadership.
One of the questioners at the State Department media briefing wanted to know whether there is any new sanction against Bangladesh before the January 7 election.
In reply, Miller said, “I do not have any new sanctions to announce today. It is our longstanding practice not to preview sanction actions before we take them.”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam had earlier said the gap between the two countries on human rights front has been significantly minimized.
He said the US has kept its word that they would not do anything that might go in favor of a particular party or seen as interference into internal affairs.
Foreign Minister Momen said Bangladesh’s relations with the US is very cordial. He said friendly countries like the US give suggestions to Bangladesh, and Bangladesh accepts those suggestions that are good for the country.