Saleem Samad
Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has asked diplomats and officials not to speak to journalists and media unless authorised.
MoFA has threatened to take stern action, if any officials speak to journalists or divulge information to the media.
But it does not say whether the ban imposed is only applicable in the case of Bangladeshi journalists and  media, or whether it also includes foreign journalists, who often quote Bangladeshi senior diplomats abroad.
An official notification had been issued on April 8 and it says that the press will have to contact the officers of the External Publicity Wing (EPB) of the MoFA. The EPB has the responsibility to liaise with the media.
In addition EPB regularly hold press briefings to update the journalists of the ongoing activities and follow-up of developments.
Therefore, no officials is authorised to speak to journos under any circumstances.
The officials have been asked to stay away from sharing comments and information with the journalists.
Departmental action will be taken against officials and diplomats who violate the new office order.
MoFA sources said that the order has been officially posted to all Bangladesh missions abroad and Foreign Services Academy.