The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has urged all media outlets to refrain from broadcasting or publishing statements by the ousted and fugitive Sheikh Hasina, following a ban issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).
The ICT previously prohibited the broadcast of statements by Sheikh Hasina, an accused in the July-August genocide case, across all media and social media platforms.
The ministry in a press release issued on Tuesday noted that this ban aligns with the fundamental spirit of the July movement.
The tribunal directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the ICT Division, and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to stop the broadcast and publication of any hate speech previously delivered by the accused and to remove such content from various platforms.
Additionally, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has requested media houses to stop broadcasting the statements of the convicted accused, citing specific legal provisions in the interest of overall national security.
The government expressed deep concern that while a section of the media has followed the court’s directives, inspired by the spirit of July, some outlets continue to broadcast statements from the fugitive.
Extending its gratitude to the media organisations that have complied with the ban, the government emphasised that it holds the spirit of the July mass uprising and the sacrifices of the martyrs in the highest regard.
The ministry issued a renewed request to all forms of media—including television, newspapers, online portals, and social media—to uphold legal obligations and the spirit of the July movement by not broadcasting any statements or declarations from Sheikh Hasina.
The government expressed hope that all media would play a united and responsible role in protecting national unity and the legacy of the July mass uprising.
