Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her government is looking into and examining similar digital security laws in the United States of America, United Kingdom, European countries and beyond to learn how they are applied in those countries – noting that Bangladesh’s law is much simpler than others. The PM made the remarks during an interview with Voice of America’s Bangla service. She said that if someone is creating social unrest or jeopardizing national security or imparting training on militancy and making bombs online than strict action must be taken accordingly. “If someone, known as a journalist, tries to steal a file from a ministry, should that person be rewarded? If you do it in any civilized country, what action is taken against that person?” – the PM said. Read More: Arson terrorists, killers must not grab power again: PM Hasina “Despite being caught red-handed, the journalist was labelled a hero and awarded,” she observed. “While the whole world was in total disarray due to Covid-19, and we were discussing buying vaccines, an official caught the file thief…. That person then became a hero and was rewarded. If this happened in any other country, developed or civilized, what would they have done?” – the Prime Minister posed the question. The PM said law on digital security does not only exist in Bangladesh; the US and UK also have such laws. “People in Bangladesh are using the internet and mobile phones more than ever. Out of 17 crore people, 12-13 crore have SIM cards,” she said. Read More: PM Hasina seeks long-term US partnership to build Smart Bangladesh “There are so many issues… so many… teaching online how to make bombs, how to kill people… these need to be stopped. I think this should be given special attention internationally. Action needs to be taken against those who are involving children and teenagers online in such crimes,” said the Prime Minister.  However, she said, the Bangladesh government is quite vigilant regarding the Digital Security Act. “In our country, there was a law earlier, when military dictators were in power, under which any journalist could be arrested without summons. After I (Awami League government) took over, I stopped this.” “So, this is not a case of journalists being harassed. If anyone is involved in anti-social activities or militancy, generally action is taken against them,” the Prime Minister told Voice of America. Read More: Extradition of convicted Tarique Rahman depends on UK govt: PM Hasina

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen Friday expressed profound sorrow at the death of actor, vocal artist and former Voice of America (VOA) Bangla newscaster Kaffey Khan. Kaffey Khan breathed his last at Virginia Center Hospital in Virginia of the US Thursday (US time). Dr Momen said Kaffey Khan was a living legend. The foreign minister also prayed for the salvation of his soul and extended sincerest condolences to his bereaved family. Also read: Ex-VOA news presenter Kaffey Khan dies The 92-year-old broadcast journalist was suffering from prostate cancer and old-age complications. He left behind two sons, two daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. Kaffey Khan left Bangladesh for the US to join VOA Bangla in 1966 and went on retirement in 1994. He acted in several films in Dhaka in the 60s apart from performing in stage dramas.

Kaffey Khan, a former news presenter of Voice of America’s Bangla section, died in the USA on Thursday. He was 92. Kaffey , also the press secretary of BNP founder and late President Ziaur Rahman, breathed his last at Virginia Hospital Center, Arlington on Thursday afternoon while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and old-age complications, said BNP organising secretary Syed Emran Saleh Prince. Khan, also an actor, left behind two sons, two daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death. Also read: ICT Senior Prosecutor Zead-AI-Malum no more Kaffey  joined the Voice of America in 1966 and he was appointed press secretary of President Ziaur Rahman in 1977. After the assassination of Zia, Kaffey rejoined VOA and went on retirement in 1994. He acted in a number of films in Dhaka in the 60s apart from performing in stage dramas. Also read: Health minister's mother Fouzia Maleque no more BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed deep shock at his death. In a condolence message, he recalled Kaffey ’s role as a press secretary of Ziaur Rahman. Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.

Dhaka, Oct 11 (UNB) - Bangla service chief of Voice of America (VOA) Roquia Haider on Friday said VOA won the people’s trust with authentic news.