Dhaka, 04 August (H.S.): Bangladesh’s Adviser to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Dr Zahid Ur Rahman, said that the government would take strict action against any media organisation that publishes or broadcasts speeches by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in violation of a court order.

Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, he said, “The government has already issued an advisory for the media in this regard. If any media organisation announces in advance that Sheikh Hasina will deliver a speech and then publishes or broadcasts it, it will be considered a violation of the court’s order.”

According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, Rahman said that the government was once again reminding all media organisations to refrain from such activities. The adviser stressed that it is the responsibility of every individual and institution to comply with court directives.

“The government’s responsibility is to ensure the implementation of court decisions,” he said. Expressing his personal opinion, Rahman said that if there had been no court order, he would not have supported a ban on the broadcast of Sheikh Hasina’s speeches.

Dr Zahid Ur Rahman said, “If anyone disagrees with a court order, they have the right to challenge it before the appropriate court. However, as long as the order remains in force, everyone must follow it.”

Responding to a question on why the government came to know about the bail granted to former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed after two or three days, Rahman said he could not immediately provide any explanation.

On whether the influence of the previous government still exists within the administration and other institutions, the adviser said that the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and her departure from the country on August 5 was a significant event in Bangladesh’s history.

He said that it was not possible to replace all officials working at different levels of the administration over the past 15 years overnight.

“Many people associated with the previous government are still working in various institutions, including the administration. It is not possible to remove such a large number of people at once. The process takes time,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dhaka has sought clarification from India over Sheikh Hasina’s reported plans to deliver a possible virtual address from New Delhi. There are reports that Hasina may participate in an event organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia in New Delhi on August 5.

Bangladesh has lodged a strong objection with the Indian High Commission, stating that political activities or addresses from Indian soil could affect the positive momentum in bilateral relations. The Indian side has assured that it will remain vigilant and examine the matter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar