ICT Minister Warns Harmful Digital Content Harms Young Minds

Excessive smartphone dependence and unregulated social media usage are rapidly eroding the habit of reading books among the younger generation, warned Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. Addressing an audience at Dhaka University, the minister voiced deep concern over the proliferation of inappropriate digital material, emphasising that harmful content online is having an adverse psychological and developmental impact on children and adolescents across the country.

Speaking as the chief guest at the “Centenary Successful Personalities Commemorative Award, Publication, and Reception 2026”, held on Friday at the Osman Jamal Auditorium of the Faculty of Fine Arts, the minister underscored the urgent need to balance modern digital connectivity with constructive intellectual pursuits. He observed that screen addiction has steadily displaced traditional literary engagement, depriving young minds of reflective learning.

The minister pointed out that the unregulated spread of synthetic media, particularly malicious material generated through artificial intelligence, has introduced fresh challenges to digital safety. To counter the misuse of emerging technologies, the Information and Communication Technology Division is actively formulating targeted safeguards. The government is currently engaged in consultations with social media platform administrators and relevant industry stakeholders to establish a robust regulatory and operational framework aimed at curbing harmful material.

Beyond digital challenges, the minister emphasised the necessity of celebrating historical role models irrespective of political, religious, or sectarian affiliations. Acknowledging national contributors, he remarked, is essential for providing young citizens with moral direction and inspiring them to engage in constructive civic duties.

Drawing attention to regional heritage, he noted that numerous eminent figures from Tangail had historically made lasting contributions to education, healthcare, community welfare, and public service. He called for systematic efforts to preserve their biographies in print and ensure wide distribution across public and institutional libraries, pledging governmental assistance for such preservation drives.

The event featured the official unveiling of eight new books alongside commemorative publications documenting the legacies of prominent historical achievers. Chaired by Dr Yousuf Khan, President of the socio-cultural organisation Chhayanir, the gathering was attended by Tangail-8 Member of Parliament Lutfor Rahman Matin and Chhayanir Advisor Abdul Kashem Chowdhury as special guests. Chhayanir Administrative Director Shaykhanaje Rahman, Executive Director Md Lutfor Rahman, and an array of academics, writers, cultural activists, and community leaders were also present. Organisers noted that the commemorative initiative was arranged to document the lives of distinguished personalities and promote positive values among the youth.