Stressing the need for ensuring cybersecurity, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged all to cross-check any information before sharing it on social media for the good of the country and the society.

“Cybersecurity is very much important. I would like to tell the people that it is not wise to react just after seeing anything on the internet without checking its authenticity...all have to cross-check the information,” she said.

The PM was speaking at an award-giving ceremony of Digital Bangladesh Day 2019 at the capital’s Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

She said it has been observed that different unwanted contents appear while using the internet. “There should be a system to filter all those...there should be a system to give security [to the users].”

Hasina called upon the people not to pay heed to rumours. “The validity of information is very important because it can cause extensive damage to the society and one’s personal life.”

She also put emphasis on making children and youths aware of cybercrimes.

“Guardians and teachers should always remain alert to these things.”

About giving mobile phones to children, she asked parents and guardians to keep an eye on what their children were watching on the internet and which sites they were visiting.

The PM said the government, as per 2008 election manifesto of the Awami League, was able to establish “Digital Bangladesh” as people were now getting the good results of digital services.

Hasina said her government had spread broadband connections up to most of the unions, and the remaining ones would be brought under broadband coverage in phases.

Referring to launching of Bangabandhu-1 satellite into space, she said it had strengthened connectivity. The work on launching the second satellite into space had already begun, she added.

The premier said the IT sector in Bangladesh has a huge potential and that is why the highest priority has been given to make country’s export a multifaceted one.

She said the Fourth Industrial Revolution was knocking at the door, and the government had taken preparations so that the people of Bangladesh did not fall behind.

State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology AKM Rahmatullah and Senior Secretary of ICT Division NM Zeaul Alam also spoke at the programme.

Earlier, the PM distributed awards among the recipients.

She also enjoyed a short drama, performed by children, on cybersecurity and rumours.