Staff Correspondent: Nicolas Weeks, the Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh, paid a courtesy call today on Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and Minister of Science and Technology, at his office. During the meeting, they held detailed discussions on bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Sweden, digital transformation, cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure, and investment opportunities in the technology sector.
The discussions placed special emphasis on the ‘One ID—One Wallet’ initiative, secure digital identity systems, the security of online financial transactions, and the expansion of citizen-friendly digital services. In this context, priority was given to secure banking and identity technologies, the protection of personal data, and fostering cooperation through the exchange of experiences.
The minister said that along with expanding digital services and infrastructure, the government is working to ensure the protection of citizens’ personal information and cyber security. To this end, the opinions of the relevant ministries, law enforcement agencies, experts, media, technology institutions and other stakeholders are being given importance. He said that the purpose of enacting the cyber security law is not to control freedom of expression or the media; rather, the aim is to prevent online harassment, propaganda, harmful content and Ensuring effective measures to address the misuse of technology. He also noted that the formulation of proposed laws and policies will fully respect media freedom, civil rights, and freedom of expression.
Regarding artificial intelligence, both sides exchanged views on its potential, challenges, and responsible use. The minister stated that while harnessing the potential of AI, it is essential to also consider issues such as employment, human resource development, the reliability of information, and the ethical use of technology. In particular, priority must be given to creating future employment opportunities for the country’s large population of young people and recent graduates, as well as to fostering technology-driven skills development.
The Swedish Ambassador emphasized the importance of coordinated participation from the government, the private sector, educational institutions, and civil society in this regard. He also noted that there are significant opportunities for the exchange of knowledge, skills, and experience between Bangladesh and Sweden. The Swedish Ambassador expressed the interest of relevant Swedish institutions in collaborating on the development of Bangladesh’s digital public infrastructure and the strengthening of its cybersecurity.
He stated that a predictable regulatory environment, a level playing field, and multifaceted technology partnerships can play a significant role in expanding cooperation and investment in sectors such as critical digital infrastructure, telecommunications, cyber security, and high technology.
During the meeting, discussions also covered the safe use of the internet by children and adolescents, the role of parents in the use of social media, and the importance of digital literacy. Both sides emphasized the need for a coordinated effort—involving families, educational institutions, the state, and technology platforms—to foster online safety and responsible digital citizenship.
Olle Lundin, First Secretary at the Embassy of Sweden, was present during the meeting. Following the discussion, both sides expressed optimism regarding the further strengthening of existing ties and cooperation between Bangladesh and Sweden in the fields of digital technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and innovative technologies.
