Bangladesh on Thursday called for stronger collective action among Colombo Security Conclave member states to confront cyber security, misinformation and disinformation challenges.
鈥榃e need to articulate and implement our collective actions in facing up to the challenges of cyber security, misinformation and disinformation, and I look forward to CSC鈥檚 actions in this regard,鈥� said National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman.
He made the remarks while delivering Bangladesh鈥檚 statement at the seventh meeting of National Security Advisers of the CSC in New Delhi, where he thanked Indian NSA Ajit Doval for hosting the gathering and for the warm hospitality accorded to the Bangladeshi delegation.
He noted Bangladesh鈥檚 continued participation in CSC activities, reaffirming Dhaka鈥檚 commitment to the principles of sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and non-interference enshrined in the CSC Charter.
He highlighted the five identified pillars of the conclave as essential to strengthening 鈥榗ollective security, regional stability and shared prosperity for all members of the region.鈥�
The adviser underscored Bangladesh鈥檚 role in maritime safety and security, combating piracy and organised maritime crimes, counterterrorism and cyber security.
He reiterated Dhaka鈥檚 firm stance against extremist violence, saying Bangladesh 鈥榟as consistently condemned global terrorism鈥� and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of terrorism.
With rapid digitalisation and the emergence of artificial intelligence, Khalilur warned that cybercrime had become a major regional concern, noting that 鈥榗yber security is thus a high priority in Bangladesh.鈥�
He added that the country was facing a 鈥榗onstant barrage of misinformation and disinformation鈥� and remained committed to securing its cyberspace, critical infrastructure and technologies for the safety of its citizens.
Khalilur stressed that national efforts alone would not be sufficient to meet emerging challenges, echoing points raised by other speakers at the forum.
He urged CSC members to strengthen mutual trust and respect while pursuing shared interests and benefits as part of wider regional security cooperation.
He pledged Bangladesh鈥檚 readiness to work closely with regional partners to ensure a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region and to confront common security challenges.
鈥榃e do not afford to allow any exogenous or indigenous forces to challenge the security and well-being of our community and any part thereof,鈥� he said.
The national security adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh鈥檚 willingness to find common ground based on mutual trust and openness, particularly as CSC members navigate complex and evolving security landscapes.
In his concluding remarks, the adviser expressed Bangladesh鈥檚 hope that the conclave would evolve into 鈥榓n open, inclusive regional multilateral organisation, driven by a vision of open regionalism.鈥�
On Wednesday, Khalilur met with Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval where they discussed work of the CSC and key bilateral issues.
He invited Doval to visit Bangladesh at his convenience, according to Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi.