Post and Telecommunication and Information Technology Adviser Nahid Islam said that during the reform movement, action will be taken against those involved in internet shutdown while mentioning that internet use has become digital rights. But in this case, it is not surprising, he emphasized on structural reforms. Above politics and nepotism, he asked for help from everyone to get rid of the corruption that gave the most importance to merit.
On Sunday (August 11), he came to his office in the ministry for the first time. While asked about the frequent internet shut down and his plan to stop it, he replied, “In addition to the commercial loss, the internet shut down causes the loss of life as well.
The advisor said, when the movement started in Bangladesh, the internet was shut down. What happened after that we are yet to get the report of how many people died. We may not yet understand how heinous it was; it was a crime against humanity. It is also being discussed internationally that shutting down the internet has created a genocidal situation here.
In response to the questions of journalists, Nahid Islam said, “I will try today, on the first day, to investigate the digital crackdown (internet shutdown) in the last movement. The image of this ministry has been damaged considerably by shutting down the internet. It must be restored. My responsibility now is to identify, why this ministry was involved in this human rights violation.”
He also said, ‘Internet usage has become digital rights. It is a matter of human rights. Shutting down the internet or bringing it to a limited level should be done keeping the human rights issue in mind. So that no one’s human rights are violated, there is free flow of information, everyone, including journalists, can know the truth and ensure right to information.’
Nahid said that there is a great job opportunity for the youth in the ICT sector. Here you have to connect with those who are experienced. I think merit will be of utmost importance in our administration. There will be zero tolerance against corruption.
When asked about the challenges after taking charge, he said, there are many types of challenges. I am hopeful that we will be able to properly fulfill the trust that the people have sent us to represent.
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In the first meeting with the top officials of the ministry, he emphasized on changing the state structure rather than changing individuals. He said to the officials, I have come here to present the statements, aspirations and demands of the common people. Your job is to implement it. I may be here for less time. My aim in this short time will be to eliminate the amalgamation of administration, politicians and stakeholders as in the past administration. Of course, for the sake of the country, there should be a linguistic difference between the administration and the politicians. I don’t want to bring surprises. Rather I want to do structural reforms. So, we want proposals from you for long-term reforms. We must take a stand against corruption. Merit should be given the highest importance above politics and nepotism. Individuals may have different opinions but a bureaucrat will work for the state. So structurally, corruption should be reduced to zero.
