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SANGSAD BHABAN, July 8, 2026 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said today the government has launched two projects to address the growing challenges posed by the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake technology as part of its transition from an analogue to a digital governance framework.

Replying to a supplementary question from treasury bench lawmaker Fahima Nasrin of reserved women's seat-29 in the Jatiya Sangsad, the minister said the government is fully aware of the increasing spread of AI-generated misinformation and deepfake content and acknowledged that many people have already fallen victim to such technologies.

"The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the relevant authorities to take necessary measures to address these emerging challenges," he said.

Swapon said the country's existing institutional framework was designed for an analogue environment, whereas the emerging threats are entirely digital in nature.

"We are, therefore, going through a transformation process. The existing manpower structure alone is not sufficient to tackle these digital challenges. Following the Prime Minister's directives, we have initially adopted a project-based approach," he said.

The minister said two projects had already been launched, adding that the government would gradually develop technology-driven digital solutions to effectively combat digital threats.

Replying to another supplementary question from opposition (Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami) lawmaker Rashidul Islam of Sherpur-1, Swapon said the successful transition from an analogue to a digital system was key to addressing such challenges.

"The Prime Minister has correctly identified the issue and provided the necessary policy direction. Work is progressing accordingly," he added.

Describing AI as a global challenge rather than one unique to Bangladesh, the minister said countries around the world were working on innovative solutions, while Bangladesh was also pursuing technology cooperation and knowledge-sharing with different nations.

Swapon said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the Prime Minister's recent visit to China.

"One of the key areas of cooperation is the exchange of China's experience, knowledge and technology in artificial intelligence," he said, adding that future initiatives would be strengthened through the agreements as well as broader international collaboration.