Media cannot lawfully air speeches by leaders of banned AL: State minister
Referring to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is president of the banned Awami League, the state minister said she is a convicted person, adding that the positions taken by the foreign and home ministries regarding her are clear.
The government will consider it unlawful for media outlets to broadcast speeches or statements by leaders of the Awami League, which has been banned through a court order, Information and Broadcasting State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury said today (8 August).
"The Awami League is a banned organisation through the court. If the chief of this organisation gives a speech, broadcasting it through any media will not be lawful," he told journalists after inspecting Bangladesh Betar, Kalurghat, Chattogram.
Referring to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who is president of the banned Awami League, the state minister said she is a convicted person, adding that the positions taken by the foreign and home ministries regarding her are clear.
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"The information ministry also agrees with these decisions," he said, questioning whether it would be appropriate for any news outlet to broadcast her statements.
Speaking about the broader challenges facing the media landscape, Yeasir also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation and rumours alongside the expansion of social media.
As social media use expands, false information and rumours are increasing, he said.
The government is considering developing new software to identify misinformation and alert the public, he said, adding that the information ministry is taking steps in this regard.
During the visit, Yasser also highlighted the historical significance of the Kalurghat Betar Kendra, where then-Major Ziaur Rahman announced Bangladesh's independence in 1971.
He expressed concern over the historic site becoming waterlogged during heavy rain and said the government would take steps to preserve and improve the facility.
Turning to Bangladesh Television, the state minister said BTV has failed to become as popular as private satellite channels.
"A forensic audit of BTV is beginning," he said.
Based on the audit report, the government will decide on measures ranging from digitalisation to improving BTV's programmes and overall operations, he added.
