The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday urged all media outlets to refrain from publishing or broadcasting statements by convicted fugitives.
The appeal came in a press release issued on Tuesday night.
According to the release, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) had earlier imposed a ban on the publication and broadcast of statements by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who was convicted in a July-August massacre case and remains a fugitive.
The ministry said the tribunal's directive reflects the spirit of the July Mass Uprising. It noted that the ICT instructed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the ICT Division and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) to ensure that Sheikh Hasina's statements are not broadcast, to remove previously circulated hate speech by the convicted fugitive from all platforms, and to prevent its further publication or dissemination.
The release said the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has also requested the media outlets not to broadcast statements by the convicted fugitive, citing relevant legal provisions and the need to protect national security.
Expressing concern, the ministry said that although many media outlets have complied with the tribunal's directive in keeping with the spirit of the July Mass Uprising, some outlets continue to publish or broadcast statements by the convicted fugitive.
The government reaffirmed its respect for the spirit of the July Mass Uprising and the sacrifices of those who lost their lives, while thanking media houses that have refrained from carrying Sheikh Hasina's statements.
It again called on all media platforms, including television channels, newspapers, online news portals and social media, to avoid publishing or broadcasting any statements or remarks by Sheikh Hasina in compliance with the ICT's directive and relevant laws.
The government expressed hope that all media outlets would continue to act responsibly and remain united in upholding national unity and the spirit of the July Mass Uprising.
