Prime Minister’s Policy and Strategy Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has said broadcasting statements of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted of crimes against humanity, would amount to defying court orders.
At the weekly briefing on Tuesday, he urged media outlets to refrain from airing her remarks.
On 5 August 2024, following the July Uprising, Hasina fled to India. Media reports say she is scheduled to hold a virtual briefing with Indian outlets on Wednesday.
Zahed warned that if any media outlet broadcasts her speech despite the court ban, action will be taken against them. “We want to bring Sheikh Hasina back under custody. At the same time, we are saying she will receive all legal rights,” he added.
Asked whether any remnants of a fascist government remain in the country even though Hasina fled two years ago, the adviser said many of her followers are still present. “It is not possible to remove everyone at once,” he remarked.
Responding to a question on whether the BNP government, which came to power in February, is under political pressure, Zahed said the government is not facing any such pressure.
He said, “The previous government negotiated with some countries to stay in power. But this government has no need for that, because it came with the people’s mandate.”
When asked about Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin, who has long been living in India, the adviser said the government has no role in bringing her back to Bangladesh.
