Zahed vows action 

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday ruled out any reconciliation with the banned Awami League (AL), saying the party had neither apologised for genocide and crimes against humanity nor stopped its alleged terrorist activities.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Press Information Department at the Bangladesh Secretariat, he also said the party continued to harass Dr Muhammad Yunus and other government officials abroad while attempting to create instability at home.

Referring to the alleged harassment of Yunus at New York’s JFK Airport, Zahed said the government would seriously investigate whether there had been any lapse by the Bangladesh Embassy in ensuring the Chief Adviser’s security.

He said legal proceedings had already been initiated against those who harassed actress Badhon, adding that similar action would be taken over the incident involving Yunus.

Warning AL members living abroad against repeating such acts, he said their actions would not go unchallenged.

Zahed said the possibility of reconciliation, even if some AL members apologised, was hypothetical given the party’s alleged past crimes, terrorist activities and attempts to incite unrest through audio messages.

On the repatriation of Sheikh Hasina from India, he said the government was pursuing legal procedures to bring her back to face justice. He added that the government would have no objection if she returned voluntarily, but she would face judicial proceedings and any sentences imposed by the courts.

The adviser also outlined progress in reforming and modernising the Bangladesh Press Council Act to curb unethical journalism while protecting press freedom.