No AL programmes, whether ‘refined’ or ‘new’ in name: Adviser Zahed

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said there was no scope to allow any programmes by the banned Awami League, regardless of what name they used.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat, he said, “We see discussions about a 'refined Awami League' in different places, mainly social media. But as long as the Awami League's programmes are banned, it cannot hold any programmes under any name; whether it is 'refined’, a ‘new Awami League’, or ‘Trinamool Awami League’." 

Zahed also 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.

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 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.

'No scope for concern by any other country over Teesta Mega Project'

Adviser Zahed also reaffirmed the government's firm stance on the Teesta Mega Project, saying Bangladesh, as an independent and sovereign state, will implement the project in accordance with the interests of its people and the country, leaving no scope for concern by any other country.

“The crisis facing the people living along the Teesta River is extremely severe and humanitarian in nature. River erosion during the monsoon and acute water shortages in the dry season have pushed people in the northern region into extreme hardship. The main objectives of the Teesta Mega Project are river training, dredging and water conservation,” he said. 

“China has extensive expertise and the necessary funding for this work. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed that the work be started as quickly as possible with utmost importance,” he continued.

Replying to another query on whether the project poses any geopolitical challenges, Zahed said, “As a sovereign country, Bangladesh will take steps in the interests of its people and the state. The country has the right to exercise its independence and sovereignty in this regard.”

He said, “We see no reason why any other country should have concerns over this development initiative. India or any other country will engage with Bangladesh as a sovereign state. Even if anyone has any security concerns, Bangladesh will take those into consideration. We will proceed on such sensitive issues without compromising.”

Criticising the previous government, the information adviser said, “During the previous government's tenure, attempts were made to maintain relations with not only one country but several countries by compromising the interests of the people. The present government has completely moved away from that position. We will work with any country while safeguarding mutual and national interests.”

Dr Zahed Ur Rahman also said, “This project or the construction of barrages does not mean Bangladesh is abandoning its demand for a fair share of river waters. We have continued our diplomatic efforts to secure our rightful share of water from the Teesta, the Ganges and 53 other common rivers. However, work on the downstream barrage project for river management and protection must be carried out quickly in our own national interest.”