Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday said the government had blocked Facebook, Messengers, Vibar and Whatsapp to check militant activities and to ensure security for people in the country.
The minister said: “There is no reason to be worried over the suspension of Facebook, Messengers, Vibar and Whatsapp since it is for short period. The government is compelled to suspend these networking platform following militants’ attacks in Paris, France and others parts of the world.
The minister made the remark while addressing the DRU Best Reporting Award giving ceremony at Shilpakala Academy in the city.
Mentioning that media in Bangladesh are very active, he said the Prime Minister and her government was very tolerant of criticisms. “But, we will take action against those who try to create anarchic situation here.”
The government has suspended operation of these social networking sites to stop militancy as some bloggers, writers and publishers have been killed in the recent days by extremists.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (BTRC) suspended the operation of Facebook, Messenger, Viber and WhatsApp in Bangladesh on Wednesday following a Supreme Court verdict that upheld the death sentences of war criminals Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and Salauddin Quader Chowdhury.
At the function, the DRU announced the names of winners of its annual awards for best reporting. Reporters from print, television, online and radio received the award for their reports on 26 different categories.
The minister handed over crests, certificates and cheques among the award recipients.
Award receptionists in print media are — staff correspondent of Dhaka Tribune Zebun Nesa Alo received the award in economic category, Pinaki Roy received the award for energy and mineral resources, Helemul Alam of the Daily Star got award for his report on city’s problem and potentials, Porimol Palma of Daily Star received the report in diplomatic, Sohel Parvez received the award for his report on agriculture, special correspondent of Prothom Alo Sharifuzzaman Pintu in politics category, special correspondent of New Age Khademul Islam in health category, senior staff correspondent of New Age Md Moniruzzaman in law parliament, judiciary and election commission, staff correspondent of Daily Samakal Abu Saleh Rony received the award in Liberation War category, senior reporter of Daily Observer Pulak Ghatok for his report on crime and law and order, special correspondent of The Daily Inqilab Samim Chowdhury in sports, senior reporter of daily Naya Diganta in education.
In electronics media, senior staff correspondent of Chennel i Zannatul Bakeya Keka, deputy chief reporter of Machranga Badruddoza Babu, business editor of Independent TV Shahed Siddiqui, senior reporter of channel 24 Abdul Kaiyum Tuhin, senior correspondent NTV Mahmudul Hasan Guru, staff reporter of RTV Al Amin Khan, special correspondent of Jamuna TV Mahfuzur Rahman Mishu and senior correspondent of ntv Rokon Uddin received the awards.
In online, special correspondent of Jagonews24.com Moniruzzaman Uzzal, staff reporter of Banglamail24.com Dipon Nondi, special correspondent of Banglanews24.com Rahman Masud and special correspondent of Banglanews24.com Rofiqul Islam Montu got the award.