Excessive screen time and unmonitored social media platforms are accelerating the decline of reading habits among the younger generation, warned Fakir Mahbub Anam, Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology. Delivering the keynote address at Dhaka University, the minister highlighted the growing presence of inappropriate and harmful material online, noting its detrimental impact on the psychological wellbeing and intellectual growth of children and adolescents nationwide.
Speaking at the “Centenary Successful Personalities Commemorative Award, Publication, and Reception 2026”, hosted at the Osman Jamal Auditorium within the Faculty of Fine Arts on Friday, the minister urged families and educators to restore a healthy balance between modern connectivity and traditional intellectual pursuits. He observed that pervasive screen habits have progressively displaced literary reading, reducing the space required for critical thinking and deep contemplation.
The minister drew attention to the rise of synthetic media, particularly malicious digital content generated through artificial intelligence, describing it as a major threat to online safety and social harmony. To curb the misuse of such technologies, the Information and Communication Technology Division is formulating updated digital safeguards. Concurrently, the government is holding discussions with global social media platforms and key technology stakeholders to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at filtering inappropriate material.
Addressing broader cultural concerns, the minister noted the importance of honouring national role models beyond partisan, religious, or sectarian boundaries. Recognising individuals who have enriched the country, he said, provides young citizens with constructive examples to emulate and motivates them to participate actively in civic life.
Highlighting regional history, he referenced the enduring contributions of key historical personalities from Tangail in education, healthcare, social reform, and public service. He stressed the importance of compiling and preserving these biographies in print for distribution across schools, colleges, and public libraries, offering government assistance to back such documentation efforts.
The gathering concluded with the formal release of eight biographical volumes and commemorative publications marking the milestones of notable public figures. Presided over by Dr Yousuf Khan, President of the socio-cultural platform Chhayanir, the ceremony was attended by Tangail-8 Member of Parliament Lutfor Rahman Matin and Chhayanir Advisor Abdul Kashem Chowdhury as special guests. Administrative Director Shaykhanaje Rahman, Executive Director Md Lutfor Rahman, and an audience of writers, scholars, and cultural representatives were present to mark the occasion. Organisers reaffirmed that the initiative sought to preserve historical legacies and encourage meaningful intellectual engagement among the youth.
