Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, on Monday called “18 months of media freedom” under the caretaker government the “biggest reform” in the sector.
Speaking to journalists at a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital, Shafiqul said the media was completely free for 18 months, with no restrictions on reporting or commentary.
“The biggest reform in the media was scrapping provisions in the digital and cyber security laws that had been used to silence voices. We abolished these laws—this is a major reform,” he said.
The press secretary also highlighted that no media house was forced to close despite pressures. “Many outlets that had been shut during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure were reopened, and all were able to operate normally.”
He added that all speech-related cases under the Digital Security Act had been withdrawn. “Any free speech that previously could have led to harassment by Awami League MPs or businessmen is now fully protected. Every cyber security or digital security speech-related case has been withdrawn.”
Addressing the reform commission’s report, he noted: “Some recommendations have not yet been fully implemented, but we hope the next government will carry them forward.”
Shafiqul also said the chief adviser will address the nation ahead of the election, and advisers’ asset declarations will be released within the next couple of days.
