Joining a New Political Party Not Final Yet; Nahid Calls DCs to Deliver Digital Services; Initiative Taken to Curb Middlemen in IP Business

The government has taken initiatives to reduce internet costs and curb the influence of intermediaries in the internet business, according to Md. Nahid Islam, Advisor to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, as well as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Speaking at the Deputy Commissioners' Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on Monday (February 17), he stated, "The government is working to reduce the dominance of middlemen in the internet business."

Emphasizing the importance of digital services, he urged deputy commissioners to ensure efficient service delivery through digital means. He further noted that the use of digital technology in public service delivery plays a crucial role in preventing corruption.

Addressing the growing spread of misinformation, the advisor highlighted that preventing rumors has become a significant challenge in the era of unrestricted information flow. "A large volume of misinformation is being spread on sensitive issues. Deputy commissioners must play a responsible role in countering these rumors," he stated.

Nahid Islam also underscored the importance of preserving the history of the July Revolution, stating, "The district administration must take the initiative to collect and archive information related to the revolution. In the future, arrangements will be made to permanently preserve these records in a museum."

Additionally, he called for increased use of information technology in government offices and urged deputy commissioners to take necessary actions in this regard.

Regarding speculations about his potential involvement in a new political party, Nahid Islam clarified that while such a possibility exists, no final decision has been made yet. Criticizing the way media has reported the matter, he stated, "The way information is being presented in the media is not appropriate. Before an official decision is made, no assumptions should be spread as facts."

He acknowledged the possibility of joining a new political initiative, saying, "Various external groups, including the Anti-Discrimination and Citizens’ Committee, have long discussed the formation of a political party. From my position, I have indicated that I may join such a party. If that happens, I will formally resign from the government before doing so."

Among others, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Secretary of the Posts and Telecommunications Division Dr. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, Secretary of the ICT Division Shish Haider Chowdhury, and Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Mahbuba Farzana also spoke at the event.