Bangladesh today called for stronger collective action among Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) member states to confront cyber security, misinformation and disinformation challenges.
“We 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’s actions in this regard,” said National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman.
Dr Rahman made the remarks while delivering Bangladesh’s country statement at the seventh meeting of National Security Advisers of the CSC held 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’s continued participation in CSC activities, reaffirming Dhaka’s 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 “collective security, regional stability and shared prosperity for all members of the region.”
The national security adviser underscored Bangladesh’s role in maritime safety and security, combating piracy and organised maritime crimes, counterterrorism and cyber security.
He reiterated Dhaka’s firm stance against extremist violence, saying Bangladesh “has consistently condemned global terrorism” and maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward all forms of terrorism.
With rapid digitalisation and the emergence of artificial intelligence, he warned that cybercrime had become a major regional concern, noting that “cyber security is thus a high priority in Bangladesh.”
He added that the country was facing a “constant barrage of misinformation and disinformation” and remained committed to securing its cyberspace, critical infrastructure and technologies for the safety of its citizens.
Dr Rahman 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’s readiness to work closely with regional partners to ensure a stable, peaceful and prosperous Indian Ocean region and to confront common security challenges.
“We do not afford to allow any exogenous or indigenous forces to challenge the security and well-being of our community and any part thereof,” he said.
The national security adviser reaffirmed Bangladesh’s 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, Dr Rahman expressed Bangladesh’s hope that the Conclave would evolve into “an open, inclusive regional multilateral organization, driven by a vision of open regionalism.”
On Wednesday, Dr Khalilur Rahman met with Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval where they discussed work of the CSC and key bilateral issues.
Dr Rahman invited Doval to visit Bangladesh at his convenience, according to Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi .
