Bangladesh Warns Media Against Broadcasting Hasina's Statements

New Delhi/Dhaka, Nov 18 (PTI) Bangladesh's interim government has issued a stern warning to all media outlets, instructing them not to report statements from Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister, who is both convicted and fugitive. This directive, they argue, is in the interest of national security and public order.

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) released a statement on Monday, highlighting their concern that Hasina’s remarks might contain directives that could potentially incite violence, disorder, or criminal activities, thereby disrupting social harmony, as reported by The Daily Star newspaper.

“We urge the media to act responsibly in the interest of national security,” the NCSA emphasized in their statement. Their deep concern stems from the possibility that some media organizations are airing and publishing statements attributed to Hasina, who has been convicted and is a fugitive.

The agency reminded that airing or publishing such statements violates the provisions of the Cyber Security Ordinance. Authorities have the power to remove or block content that threatens national integrity, security, or public order, or promotes ethnic or religious hatred.

Additionally, the use of a false identity or illegal access to systems to spread hate speech, ethnic incitement, or calls for violence is a punishable offence, carrying penalties of up to two years of imprisonment and/or fines up to Tk 10 lakh.

Emphasizing their respect for freedom of the press and expression, the NCSA urged media outlets to avoid publishing any statements that are violent, instigating, or criminally provocative from convicted individuals, while remaining mindful of their legal obligations.

On Monday, Hasina, aged 78, was sentenced to death in absentia by Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal for "crimes against humanity" related to her government's harsh suppression of student-led protests last year. Former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal received a similar sentence.

Hasina has been residing in India since fleeing Bangladesh on August 5 last year, amid massive protests. The court had previously declared her a fugitive.

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus praised the verdict, asserting it reaffirmed a fundamental principle that "no one, regardless of power, is above the law."

In response to the verdict, Hasina dismissed the charges as "biased and politically motivated," claiming the judgment was delivered by a "rigged tribunal" led by an "unelected government with no democratic mandate."