Staff Reporter: State Minister for Information Dr. Md Murad Hasan, MP, has called for strengthening public diplomacy to build a positive image of Bangladesh abroad.
The state minister was addressing officials at an exchange meeting at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday (November 2) on the importance of public diplomacy. The meeting was presided by M Shahidul Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to the United States.
The State Minister advised the officers of the Embassy to give special attention to develop good relations with the United States, which is a very important country for Bangladesh. He highlighted the prudent leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in advancing the economic progress 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 of 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.
In addition to publishing and disseminating monthly and special newsletters, the Embassy in Washington D.C. is regularly engaging with think tanks, activists, students, and the business community to rebrand Bangladesh in the United States.
The State Minister also laid a floral bouquet at the bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
BP/SM
