Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan speaking at BTRC headquarters in the capital. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 17, 2025 (BSS) - Adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan today said providing cyber security is one of the foremost responsibilities of the interim government.

"The interim government is firmly committed to ensuring security of the citizens and safeguarding women on the cyber space," he told
an event organized celebrating World Telecommunication and Information Society Day-2025 at the BTRC headquarters in the capital's Agargaon.

Acting Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Md. Zahirul Islam chaired the event titled "Digital Equality for Women and Men".

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Fayez Ahmad Taiyeb, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Mahbuba Farzana, Secretary of the ICT Division Shish Haider Chowdhury spoke as the special guest, among others.

Adviser Asif called on the officials of the Information and Communication Technology Division to prioritize initiatives to ensure cyber security and digital protection of the people on the cyber space.

Commenting on the newly revised Cyber security Ordinance, he said, the ordinance recognizes internet access as a fundamental citizen right.
 
He emphasized on the need to make internet services more affordable and accessible to people at all levels of society.

"The government has already reduced internet bandwidth prices at the IIG (International Internet Gateway) level and consumers are expected to benefit from these reductions within the next one to two months," he said.

He called for expanding application of internet across diverse sectors, particularly in agriculture and healthcare.

He urged stakeholders to increase the participation of youth and women in these fields by engaging them in the digital sectors providing with essential trainings.

"The Ministry of Local Government intended to digitalize all service processes to curb corruption and bribery in public service delivery," Asif said.

Later, the adviser visited exhibitions on ICT and telecom innovations displayed on the ground floor of the BTRC building.

A video message from the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) was also presented.
 
The Chairman of BTRC and other stakeholders were also present.