AL activities banned under any banner

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the Awami League cannot hold any programme, not even under a different name or banner, as long as the ban on its political activities remains in effect.

Speaking at the regular press briefing at the Secretariat yesterday, Zahed told reporters that discussions about a “Refined Awami League” occasionally surface, including on social media.

“As long as the party’s programmes are prohibited, it cannot operate under any name -- be it ‘refined’, ‘new’, or ‘grassroots’ Awami League.”

Whether the ban will remain indefinitely is for the courts to decide, he added. “But until then, the government believes Awami League programmes should remain prohibited.”

Referring to the court ban on broadcasting speeches of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Zahed said many media outlets were airing her statements despite the restriction. “This means they are not complying with the court’s directive.”

The information ministry, he added, will formally urge outlets to refrain from doing as such, hoping for due compliance. “The government is not taking an overly harsh stance, but it wants to remind the media to respect the law.”

However, the adviser warned that at some point the government may have to consider taking action.

Responding to a question on the Teesta Mega Plan, Zahed said Bangladesh, as a sovereign nation, will implement the project in line with its own interests. “There is no reason for any other country to be worried about this.”

Zahed noted that China has both the technical expertise and financial capacity for such a project. “I see no reason for any country to be anxious about our developmental steps. India or any other nation will engage with Bangladesh as a sovereign state. If any country has security concerns, Bangladesh will consider them. Likewise, if Bangladesh has concerns, others must also take those into account.”

Replying to another question, Zahed said the government is investigating the motive behind the display of flags bearing Arabic script.

“I won’t give too many details, but the government has taken note of this. There is a risk it could send a wrong message internationally, and we are aware of it,” he said.

The adviser added that the widespread nature of the incidents suggested a coordinated plan. “You can guess who is doing this and why. Some people may talk about it on social media, but they may not be the masterminds. So this requires proper investigation.”