Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said publishing the speech of convicted Sheikh Hasina is completely prohibited and the country’s media must strictly follow the court’s instructions to this end.

“Despite the court’s ban, some media are broadcasting her speech, which is completely inappropriate. So, the media must be more responsible in publishing news, showing respect to the law,” he said.

The information adviser made the remarks while responding to a question at a press briefing, organised by the Press Information Department (PID), at the Secretariat.

He said there is a court restriction on publishing Sheikh Hasina’s speech.

“But we are noticing that some media outlets have recently been publishing her statements, which means they are not following the court’s instructions. On behalf of the Ministry of Information, we initially urge them to refrain from this act,” he said.

Dr Zahed said the government is not taking a strict position right now, but it wants to remind the media to show respect to the law.

“We hope that our media outlets will play a responsible role. However, if this trend of disobeying the court’s instructions continues, legal action will be taken in this regard,” he said.

About press freedom and the government’s policy, Dr Zahed said the incumbent democratic government always considers the media as its friend, while it revises or changes any decision by respecting the criticism of the media and public opinion.

Citing the example of the government’s decision to change after criticism of the recent budget and some issues in the banking sector, he said the government always wants to maintain bilateral discussion and good relations with the media.

Replying to another query regarding the political programmes of the Awami League, the adviser said the political programmes of the party are banned.

“Until the court gives a final decision on this issue, the Awami League, whether it comes under the name ‘Reformed’ or any other name, will not be allowed to hold any political programme. The government’s position on this issue is very strict,” he said.

Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed and Joint Secretary of the ministry Riasat Al Wasif were present at the briefing.