Staff Correspondent, Dhaka
Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder has said that police have been instructed to improve the law and order situation and that necessary measures will be taken to ensure stability before the upcoming elections.
He made the remarks at a views exchange meeting with government officials, journalists, and civil society members held at the conference room of the Rajshahi deputy commissioner’s office at 10:30am on Saturday.
“Steps are already underway, and the situation will gradually improve. There is no alternative to restoring order before the elections. The situation will be brought under control at any cost. No one involved in criminal activities will be spared,” he said.
Speaking on the role of the media during elections, the deputy press secretary said: “In the past, journalists faced various challenges while covering elections. That will not be the case this time. There will be no harassment.”
He added: “As always, the electoral code of conduct will be in place, and you are expected to follow it. If obstacles arise, a designated officer will be assigned to coordinate and resolve the issue.”
He also said that the government will take all necessary steps and that there is no partiality or hostility towards anyone.
“We will ensure that journalists are not harassed by any political group. The administration will remain neutral this time. You are encouraged to report any irregularities without hesitation. We believe these issues will soon be resolved,” he added.
Highlighting recent progress in press freedom, he said: “Bangladesh has advanced 16 places in the global press freedom index over the past year. In the last five years, journalists were harassed under the Digital Security Act, but that law has now been repealed.”
He added: “The Cyber Security Act, which was essentially a repackaged version, has also been scrapped. Harassment cases filed against journalists have been withdrawn. Some previously shut-down media outlets have resumed publication, and several TV channels are preparing to go back on air.”
He further added: “No new channels have been closed; rather, they are being reopened. Journalists are no longer subjected to harassment, and no lawsuits are being filed simply for practising journalism.”
