DHAKA, Feb 4, 2024 (BSS)- State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat today emphasized on formulating a guideline to digitalize the cable operating service as soon as possible to boost up revenue collection from the sector and bring discipline.

“Digitization of cable operating service is a must as it will bring transparency along with helping the government to collect more revenue,” he said at a views exchange meeting with Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (COAB) at his ministry’s conference room.

People are expending money to get the service, the state minister said but the government cannot collect the revenue properly while the digitization will ensure it.

“As I talked to all stakeholders, I found everyone is in favour of digitalization of the service. Therefore, we will do this as soon as possible,” he added.

Speaking about OTT and other digital platforms, Arafat said, “We should welcome the new innovation and advancement of technology. But, we will take action against any breaching of law or rules and regulations”.
 
Simultaneously, he said, the government will ensure the protection of national interest and security as it is observed that the advancement of technology brings some risks along with simplifying citizens’ life.

“So, we will also address those issues within quickest possible time,” the state minister said.

COAB President ABM Saiful Hossain, General Secretary Mosharraf Ali Chanchal and members Nizam Uddin Masud, Rashid Malik, Farid Uddin and Habib Ali were present.

Earlier, the state minister joined another meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Chalachitra Pradarshak Samity in the ministry.

Samity’s chief advisor Sudipta Kumar Das, president Kazi Shoyeb Rashid, general secretary Awlad Hossain and other leaders were present.