DHAKA, Nov 3, 2021 (BSS) - State minister for Information and Broadcasting Dr. Murad Hasan has stressed the need for strengthening public diplomacy for building a positive image of Bangladesh abroad. 

He was addressing the officers of the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington D.C. at an exchange of views program, presided over by Bangladesh ambassador to the USA, M. Shahidul Islam on Tuesday, a press release said here today.  

The state minister advised the officers to give special attention to developing good relations with the United States, which, he said, is a very important country for Bangladesh. 

He highlighted the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in advancing the economic development of the country and saving people’s lives from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Referring to the recent violence during the Durga Puja, the state minister emphasized the need to stand together against all sorts of disinformation campaigns conducted from abroad against Bangladesh and the government. 

Ambassador Shahidul Islam, in his welcome remarks, recalled the role of public diplomacy at the emergence of Bangladesh under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

He said that public diplomacy efforts undertaken at various levels played an important role in shaping international public opinion in favour of Bangladesh’s war of independence.

The ambassador also briefed the state minister on various initiatives taken by the embassy to counter negative propaganda against Bangladesh and its government. 

He sought the support of the state minister to strengthen the capacity of the Press Wing with additional manpower and equipment to counter negative propaganda in social media. 

The state minister also laid a floral bouquet at the bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.