Postal, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister and Science and Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam said recognising people who have made important contributions to society and the country can encourage young people to engage in positive social work. He made the remarks on Friday at the “Centenary Successful Persons Memorial Honour, Publication and Reception-2026” event at the Osman Jamal Auditorium of Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Arts.

The minister said contributors should be honoured and their work presented to younger generations above religious, political or identity differences. He warned that excessive mobile-phone and social-media use is reducing reading habits among young people, while harmful and inappropriate online content is negatively affecting children and adolescents. He said the government is discussing necessary measures with relevant social-media stakeholders.

Anam also described AI-generated fake and harmful content as a concern, saying the ICT Division is working to prevent misuse and is pursuing a coordination framework with social-media platforms. Eight books were unveiled at the event, where distinguished people were honoured and publications released. Organisers said the initiative aims to preserve the lives, work and contributions of successful figures and promote positive thinking.