Information now a strategic weapon in national security: Rizwana

Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Water Resources, stated that national security today relies not only on military power but significantly on public perception and access to accurate information.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar held at the National Defence College (NDC) in Mirpur, jointly organized by NDC and the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), she emphasized the growing role of information in shaping national resilience.

“Misinformation has become a psychological weapon,” said Rizwana. “To counter it, we must rely on truth, trust, and information-based awareness. A united nation is essential to face these challenges.”

Referring to historical events, she cited the Battle of Plassey in 1757 as a tragic example of how misinformation and conspiracy can lead to national defeat, noting similarities with today's threats posed by social media rumors and disinformation.

She stressed the importance of transparency in government initiatives, stating, “Public projects are funded by taxpayers, so citizens have the right to be informed. Without access to accurate information, people cannot make sound decisions, and rumors become the driving force in society.”

Addressing the climate crisis, she identified it as Bangladesh’s most pressing security threat, warning that rising sea levels and global warming could submerge one-third of the country's land. She also highlighted the value of indigenous knowledge, noting that local forecasting by rural communities often proves more effective than modern models.

Rizwana revealed that the United Kingdom is willing to support Bangladesh with satellite-based data and training. However, she emphasized the need to build national capacity to analyze such data and make it accessible to the public.

“If information is kept secret and the truth suppressed, we risk losing both sustainable development and national security,” she concluded. “Through dialogue and awareness, we can move toward building an informed, inclusive, and secure Bangladesh.”

The event also featured remarks from NDC Commandant Lieutenant General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque. Four keynote papers were presented, with senior military officials, diplomats, academics, and development professionals in attendance.