DHAKA, July 21, (v7n) – All administrative procedures have been completed for forming a special panel of lawyers to ensure swift and effective legal action against deepfakes, disinformation, and cyberbullying on social media, with only the formal government notification remaining, expected within the next one or two days.

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman made the announcement at the weekly press briefing at the Secretariat, saying the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against these offences. He said all necessary work—including publishing the notice, receiving applications, interviewing candidates, and completing verification—has been finalised.

Rahman said the government treats the misuse of information, particularly disinformation and cyberbullying, as a serious concern. The rapid expansion of social media has led to an alarming increase in false information, smear campaigns, manipulated photos and videos, and deepfake misuse, which damage reputations, create social instability, and threaten public safety. Women are among the most frequent victims, facing targeted insults, threats, abusive comments, and fake images created to humiliate them.

The legal panel, established under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, will act on complaints and have authority to initiate legal action on its own initiative when necessary. Its primary objective is to ensure legal protection for ordinary citizens and provide prompt assistance to victims. Rahman urged citizens who become victims to file complaints with relevant authorities.

He emphasised that while social media provides freedom of expression, responsible use is equally important, as mainstream media follows editorial verification while social media lacks such safeguards. He urged users to be more cautious and avoid sharing unverified information.

Other Government Updates:

  • Dengue: Infections have declined significantly, with 10,857 cases recorded as of July 20, 2026, down from 17,218 during the same period in 2025. Deaths fell from 62 to 37.

  • Energy: A list of 40 companies has been finalised for importing LNG from the spot market. Of 150 planned onshore gas wells, 29 have been completed, securing approximately 270.8 MMCFT of gas, with 125.3 MMCFT already supplied to the national grid. The government aims to complete remaining wells by 2030, with expected additional production of around 1,491 MMCFT.

  • Food Safety: The Safe Food Regulations 2026 have been issued, requiring registration for businesses involved in food production, import, processing, storage, transport, and marketing. Regular mobile courts and inspections will continue, and food stock has reached its highest level in history.

  • Probashi Card: The card will be launched on a pilot basis in mid-August, initially through state-owned banks. The government plans to distribute 50,000 cards by December and 200,000 by June next year, eventually managed through Probashi Kallyan Bank, providing expatriates with access to at least 10 services.

  • Environment: The government is promoting eco-friendly jute bags as an alternative to polythene, with affordable bags being distributed in Dhaka markets and mobile courts fining those responsible for pollution.

  • Industry: Sixteen of 25 mills under Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation have been approved for operation under PPP arrangements, expected to increase private investment, improve productivity, reduce subsidies, and protect existing jobs.

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