Colombo Security Conclave meet: Dhaka seeks collective action on misinformation, disinformation challenges
Khalilur says Bangladesh’s engagement with the CSC would continue to be guided by the principles of sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and non-interference as enshrined in the conclave’s charter
Bangladesh today (20 November) called for stronger collective action among Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) member states to confront cyber security, misinformation and disinformation challenges.
"We need to articulate and implement our collective actions in facing up to the challenges of cyber security, misinformation and disinformation, and I look forward to CSC's actions in this regard," said National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman during the 7th meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), hosted by India.
Khalilur, also the high representative for the Rohingya issue, led the Bangladesh delegation at the event where Bangladesh reiterated its commitment to strengthening regional security cooperation, emphasising the need for collective action on cybersecurity, counterterrorism and maritime safety.
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Indian NSA Ajit Doval hosted his counterparts, in New Delhi, from member states, including Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Seychelles participated as an observer state, and Malaysia was invited as a guest.
Speaking at the forum, Bangladesh's National Security Adviser Khalilur Rahman thanked India's NSA Ajit Doval for hosting the meeting and praised the CSC secretary-general's report on the organisation's recent activities.
He said Bangladesh's engagement with the CSC would continue to be guided by the principles of sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity and non-interference as enshrined in the conclave's charter.
National Security Adviser Khalilur highlighted the importance of the CSC's five priority areas of cooperation, describing them as central pillars for enhancing "collective security, regional stability and shared prosperity."
Bangladesh, he noted, has been "steadfastly playing its dual role" in advancing regional security initiatives.
He pointed to the country's collaboration with neighbouring nations in improving maritime safety, combating piracy and transnational maritime crime, and confronting terrorism.
Reaffirming Dhaka's uncompromising stance, he said Bangladesh maintains a "zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of terrorism, under any circumstance."
Cybersecurity featured prominently in his remarks. With rapid technological expansion and increasing digital vulnerabilities, Bangladesh is facing "a constant barrage of misinformation and disinformation," the adviser said.
He stressed the need to defend the nation's cyberspace and critical infrastructure, but warned that national efforts alone are insufficient.
Calling for unified regional measures, he urged CSC members to articulate and implement collective responses to cyber threats, misinformation and disinformation. "We need to confront our common challenges together."
The adviser also emphasised mutual trust, respect and shared benefits in navigating evolving security complexities.
Bangladesh, he pledged, stands ready to work "hand in hand" with Conclave members to ensure a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region, and to resist any external or internal forces that may threaten regional well-being.
In his concluding remarks, he expressed Bangladesh's hope that the CSC would evolve into an "open, inclusive regional multilateral organisation" driven by the spirit of open regionalism.
In keeping with this vision and objective, the 7th meeting of the NSAs is seen an opportunity for the participants to review the activities under the different pillars of cooperation, namely- maritime safety and security; countering terrorism and radicalisation; combating transnational organised crime; cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and discuss the roadmap and action plan for 2026, said the host country- India.
Earlier on Wednesday, Khalilur met his Indian counterpart Doval in New Delhi. Khalilur invited Doval to visit Bangladesh at his convenience.
"They discussed work of the CSC (Colombo Security Conclave) and key bilateral issues," said an official at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi.
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Khalilur reached New Delhi on Tuesday night at the invitation of National Security Adviser of India Ajit Doval to attend this regional forum.
The 6th meeting of the NSAs of CSC was held in December 2023 in Mauritius, and Member States met again during the Signing Ceremony for the Founding Documents of CSC in Sri Lanka in August 2024.
The Deputy National Security Advisers (DNSAs) of CSC countries have also been meeting at regular intervals.
The CSC's core objective is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to the Member States.
Khalilur's participation at the Colombo Security Conclave in New Delhi is in continuation of the interim government's efforts to foster mutually beneficial regional cooperation, Bangladesh said.
The interim government emphasises regional cooperation as a priority and has actively participated in meetings of various regional bodies.
In April this year, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus was elected Chair of BIMSTEC. He has been working hard to reactivate SAARC, said the press wing.
Khalilur earlier led a Bangladesh delegation to the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum in Kunming, China.
Bangladesh was officially welcomed in 2024 as the fifth Member State of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), a grouping that includes India, Sri Lanka, Mauritius and the Maldives. Seychelles participates with observer status.
