Media warned not to focus Hasina's remarks

The government on Tuesday warned media organisations against broadcasting or publishing statements by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, saying legal action would be taken against those violating court directives prohibiting the dissemination of her remarks.

Prime Minister's Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed ur Rahman issued the warning while speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat. Later, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting also issued a statement expressing "deep concern" that some media outlets were continuing to carry Sheikh Hasina's remarks despite the court order and her conviction.

Dr Zahed said media organisations had already been advised to comply with the court's directives and reminded them that airing or publishing any speech or statement by Sheikh Hasina would amount to defying the order.

"Everyone has a responsibility to comply with the court's directives. The government's duty is to ensure the implementation of judicial decisions," he said.

He added that while anyone who disagreed with the order could challenge it through the legal process, it must be followed as long as it remained in force.

Responding to a question about Sheikh Hasina's recent statement that she intended to return to Bangladesh, Dr Zahed said the government also wanted her to return and had already sought her extradition from India.

Describing her as a convicted person sentenced to death, he said she would be arrested upon her return and would be entitled to all legal rights guaranteed under the law, including access to legal counsel and the opportunity to defend herself before the courts.

He said the government remained committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring due process.

The adviser also downplayed the political significance of Sheikh Hasina's recent appeals, saying her previous calls had failed to generate any meaningful public response. While acknowledging that some people might still support her, he said they lacked the moral and organisational capacity to pose a political challenge to the government.