RAJSHAHI, – Highlighting the importance of youths to the nation-building process, speakers at a meeting unequivocally called for equipping them with knowledge of safe use of digital technologies on priority basis.

All the government and non-government organizations concerned should come forward and work together so that the youths could be discouraged from sharing disinformation, rumor and fake news in social media. The discussants came up with the observation while addressing an inception meeting styled “Young Leaders for Promoting Democracy in Bangladesh” at Parjatan Motel in the city today.

Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) hosted the meeting in association with Bangladesh Endowment for Democracy discussing and devising ways and means on how to protect the young generation from cyber crimes. Vice-chancellor of North Bengal International University Prof Abdul Khaleque addressed the meeting as chief guest, while BEI President Humayun Kabir spoke as focal person.

The meeting was told that the BEI has been implementing a project titled “Role of Young Boys and Girls towards strengthening Democratic Values in Bangladesh” in Rajshahi City Corporation and Paba Upazila aimed at expanding democratic values among the target group of people.

BEI Deputy Director Ashish Banik gave an illustration of the project along with its aims, objectives and implementation strategy during his multimedia presentation.

He said digital capacity will be strengthened among the targeted youths so that they will remain abstain from sharing fake news, disinformation and rumor in social media. In his remarks, Prof Abdul Khaleque said awareness should be raised among youths about cyber crimes, related laws, and punishment. He said relevant professionals, experts, and the mass media could play a responsible role in this regard.

He described the internet as one of the most significant technological advancements in the modern world, and said it has made a noteworthy contribution to the ICT sector. He also stressed the need for developing a strong monitoring of the social media mechanism to combat cybercrimes.

Around 35 persons comprising public representatives, media personnel and members of the civil society took part in the meeting and took part in its open discussion putting forward a set of recommendations on how to protect the youths from unsafe use of digital technology.