Cybersecurity Now More Important Than Border Protection: Information Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that ensuring cybersecurity is now more important than guarding borders, as digital technology has fundamentally transformed the concepts of security, communication and information management.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force's media platform "Prantik Kanthaswar" at its headquarters in Khilgaon on Wednesday (July 1), the minister said protecting computer systems from hackers has become more critical than guarding vaults, while safeguarding cyberspace is now more important than protecting thousands of miles of physical borders.

He said modern warfare is no longer limited to conventional weapons, and communication extends far beyond voice exchanges. Referring to the Bangladesh Bank reserve heist, he noted that cyber manipulation has demonstrated how digital attacks can threaten national security and financial stability.

Swapan said digital leadership, cybersecurity and technology-driven skills have become the core pillars of future security. Protecting digital infrastructure and information repositories from cyber threats is now as important as ensuring physical security.

He praised Bangladesh Ansar's initiative to engage its nearly six million members in technology, information management and digital communication rather than confining them to traditional responsibilities. According to the minister, "Prantik Kanthaswar" will become an important part of the government's broader digital transformation and information management strategy and could serve as a model for other public institutions.

Emphasising the need to embrace change, he said shifting from analogue thinking to digital thinking and building digital leadership are essential in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Describing technology as a constantly evolving field, he said individuals and institutions must continuously upgrade their knowledge and capabilities to remain relevant.

State Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid, speaking as a special guest, identified misinformation and disinformation as major challenges and expressed hope that "Prantik Kanthaswar" would emerge as a trusted platform for verified, public-interest communication.

Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and Village Defence Force Major General A M Sajjad Mahmud delivered the welcome address.

Before the ceremony, the minister visited the platform's studio and production facilities. The programme concluded with a cultural performance.

//DBTech/JN/IHI//