Staff Reporter:
The government has issued a strong warning to television, print, and online media outlets against broadcasting or publishing any statements, speeches, or audio clips of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been convicted of criminal offences and charged with crimes against humanity.
In a statement released by CA Press Wing on Friday, the government said that airing Hasina’s comments violates the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, as well as a December order from the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) that prohibits the dissemination of hate speech by former authoritarian leaders.
“We regret to note that some media outlets have ignored legal directives and broadcast a speech by the ousted autocrat containing false and inflammatory claims,” the statement said. “We are warning those responsible that any future dissemination of Sheikh Hasina’s remarks will result in immediate legal action.”
The government emphasised that Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh following grave allegations of ordering mass killings of peaceful protesters during the July Uprising, and that she has been convicted by the ICT and remains under trial for crimes against humanity.
In addition, the activities of the Awami League have been banned under Bangladeshi law, and anyone promoting the party’s leaders or speeches is subject to prosecution under the Anti-Terrorism Act, CA Press Wing said in their statement.
Through the statement, the government urged media outlets to act with “caution and responsibility,” warning that publishing Hasina’s messages — which they described as designed to incite violence and destabilise the country — poses a threat to Bangladesh’s democratic transition.
Violators, the statement said, “will face legal actions under Bangladeshi law.”
