Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said some media outlets are not complying with a court order prohibiting dissemination of statements by convicted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
"There is a direct court order prohibiting the dissemination of Sheikh Hasina's statements in Bangladesh. Yet some media outlets are continuing to publish them, which means they are not complying with the court's directive. That is a fact," he said while responding to a question at a press briefing at Secretariat.
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Zahed said the government would formally remind media organisations under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to refrain from disseminating such content.
"We are not taking an extremely strict position at this stage but we want to remind them of the court order. I believe our media will respect the law and act responsibly by refraining from doing so," he said.
"We will make the request again, and at some point it may be appropriate to consider taking measures," he said.
Acknowledging the challenges of preventing access to Sheikh Hasina's remarks in the digital age, the adviser said many people can view interviews or statements carried by foreign media through online platforms.
"People can still access foreign media from Bangladesh, so there is also a discussion about whether such content can ultimately be prevented from reaching the public," he said.
However, the adviser stressed that unless the court withdraws its order, broadcasting Sheikh Hasina's statements remains inappropriate.
"I am not calling it a crime in this context, but it is inappropriate. I hope our media will play a responsible role," he added.
Referring to the display of flags bearing Kalema inscribed in Arabic at different places across the country, the adviser said the government is looking into it.
"The government has taken cognisance of the matter and is looking into it. There is no reason to believe that the government has any connection with it," he said in response to a question.
The government is examining why such flags are being displayed, as the issue could, in some cases, send the wrong message internationally, he said adding "We are aware of the possibility that this may create misunderstandings globally.”
He said the government intends to take necessary measures and added that he had personally drawn the attention of the Home Minister to the issue. "We hope this will not continue in this manner," he said.
Asked who might be behind the display of the flags, Zahed said the matter requires careful investigation.
"Some people are speaking about it on social media, but they may not necessarily be the main actors. Since this has occurred on such a widespread scale, there is likely to be a specific plan behind it. We are investigating the matter and hope to identify those responsible," he said.
MSH
