DHAKA : Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan today said cybersecurity is more important than a “Sindhuk”, a traditional Bengali strongbox. 

“The traditional concept of security has changed qualitatively in modern era. Now, keeping a big business firm's computer free from hackers is more important than guarding its “Sindhuk” and ensuring cybersecurity is more important than guarding a 1000-mile frontier,” he said.

The information minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP's media cell ‘Prantik Konthoshor’ at its headquarters in the city’s Khilgaon area.

State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Division and Railways Ministry Habibur Rashid was present as special guest at the ceremony organised with the theme 'In the pulse of time, fulfilling aspirations'.

Major General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, Director General of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP chaired the event.

In his speech, the information minister said, "War is not just about weapons and communication is not just about exchanging people's voices. The incident of reserve heist of the central bank has shown us that how security can be disrupted through digital manipulation."

He lauded the innovative effort to utilize the 60 lakh manpower of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP for the country's welfare through time-befitting and modern thinking, without keeping it confined to conventional concepts.

The information minister said this 'marginal voice' digital platform created by the Bangladesh Ansar and VDP will be a big part of the Bangladesh government's information management plan. 

He applauded the force's leadership for understanding the difference between analog and digital systems and adapting to the new reality and taking digital leadership.

Terming the ongoing trend of technological change 'dynamic', Swapon said, "In this technological reality, there is no scope to keep knowledge and psychology stable. We have to be dynamic in our thinking at every moment and be part of the ongoing upgrading system. Otherwise, the one who is modern today may become obsolete tomorrow.”

He expressed his determination to present the ‘Prantik Konthoshor’ platform as a teaching example for other government agencies.

Senior officials of Bangladesh Ansar and VDP were present, among others.