United News of Bangladesh

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Thursday said any approach forcing Bangladesh to choose between key international partners would be detrimental to national interests. “Any policy that compels Bangladesh to choose one side over another would be harmful to the country's long-term interests,” the minister said. Bangladesh must pursue a foreign policy that integrates all major internal and external dimensions, he said while presiding over a discussion titled “Ziaur Rahman’s Independent Foreign Policy in the Current Context” and a newspaper exhibition organised at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) auditorium marking the 45th death anniversary of former president Ziaur Rahman. Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir attended the programme as the chief guest. Swapon said Bangladesh’s economic and strategic interests are deeply interconnected with multiple global partners and regions. He said the country relies significantly on China and India for imports while the United States and European countries remain the primary destinations for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports. He also said remittances largely originate from the Middle East while Bangladesh depends on foreign energy sources and international cooperation to ensure energy security. Referring to the country’s energy sector, the minister said Bangladesh is implementing its nuclear power programme with Russian financial support, imports energy resources from Middle Eastern countries, particularly Qatar, and is exploring opportunities to import hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan through India. “In such a reality, the government must carefully manage these interdependencies through a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy,” he said. Drawing on the legacy of former president Ziaur Rahman, Swapon said Bangladesh’s foreign policy underwent a significant transformation after 1975. He said Ziaur Rahman successfully guided the country from a one-party political framework to a multiparty system, embraced a market-oriented and pro-Western economic approach, strengthened relations with international development partners, expanded ties with the Muslim world and played a key role in the establishment of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He said Ziaur Rahman’s diplomatic strategy helped transform several bilateral issues into broader regional and multilateral discussions. “His leadership enabled Bangladesh to secure international cooperation, achieve food self-sufficiency, increase overseas employment and remittance inflows, and explore new export sectors, including the ready-made garment industry,” Swapon said. The minister stressed that Bangladesh should avoid any foreign policy framework that requires choosing between major global partners such as China, India, the United States, Europe or the Middle East. Swapon also highlighted Ziaur Rahman’s inclusive and independent diplomatic approach, saying it earned recognition from regional and international leaders. He said Bangladesh’s foreign policy should continue to prioritise national interests, economic stability and sovereign decision-making while maintaining constructive relations with all partners. Economist Mushtaq Khan of the School of Oriental and African Studies attended the event as a special guest. Major gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, delivered the keynote speech. Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh Faruk Wasif moderated the programme.

Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday described the rape and killing of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter as a ‘national pain’ and ‘national shame’, saying that the perpetrators must be brought to justice as quickly as possible under the existing laws. “The government has taken all measures to bring the criminals to justice as soon as possible under the existing laws of the country,” he said. The minister made the remarks, while responding to questions from journalists after a financial assistance distribution programme for disadvantaged children organised by the Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation in the city’s Pallabi area. Noting that such brutal incidents, including Ramisa's one, are extremely tragic, he said the entire nation is grieving and outraged over this incident. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, on behalf of the nation, expressed deep sympathy and condolence with the bereaved family of the slain child. At this time, the Information Minister praised the role of the media in this regard. The anger and awareness created among the people over such incidents are the result of the responsible role played by the media, he said. Based on the public opinion generated by journalists, the government will be able to adopt more effective laws and measures to eradicate such heinous crimes from society, he added. Praise for Sher-e-Bangla  In a separate event, Zahir Uddin Swapon said Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq was not only a political leader but also a pioneer of the redemption of Bengal’s peasants, common people, and the deprived sections of society and a non-communal social reformer. “Because of his historic role, Bengal’s farming community found a path to freedom from landlords’ exploitation, the trap of moneylenders’ loans, and a way out of deprivation from education,” he said. The Information Minister made the remarks while addressing at the event arranged by the same foundation to distribute financial assistance among underprivileged children at the International Mother Language Institute in the city. He said Sher-e-Bangla emerged as the first elected Prime Minister of undivided Bengal through the 1937 election and secured a unique place in the political history of Muslims in the subcontinent by presenting the Lahore Resolution in 1940. Swapon said although Sher-e-Bangla’s direct political legacy may not be clearly visible today, his philosophy of social reform remains highly relevant. He urged the Sher-e-Bangla Foundation to expand its activities beyond charity and donations and undertake broader initiatives. The Information Minister expressed interest in contributing to the foundation’s future plans and assured full cooperation from the government. Former secretary and adviser of the Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Huq Foundation Syed Margub Morshed and Foundation President Md Abu Hanif were present at the event, said a PID handout.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Sunday told the Parliament that a plan has been taken to set educational qualifications for journalists and create an online database aiming to ensuring the dignity of genuine journalists. “In the era of free flow of information, to improve the quality of journalism, ensure the dignity of genuine journalists and prevent fake journalism, the Bangladesh Press Council has taken a plan to determine the educational qualifications of journalists and create an online database,” he said, while replying to a scripted question from Jamaat lawmaker Md. Abdul Aleem (Bagerhat-4). To combat misinformation and propaganda, the minister said his ministry has already adopted several action plans. Through the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), training will be provided on artificial intelligence, narrative building, information policy support, and multimedia journalism, he added. He said communication and cooperation have been strengthened with international media operating in the country. “Preparations are underway to organise discussions and seminars involving fact-checking organisations, mainstream media, and other stakeholders to address fake news and misinformation,” he added. Swapon said 22 photocards and 10 information bulletins on rumor prevention have been distributed by the Press Information Department (PID) to national dailies and online news portals for publication. The minister said any aggrieved person or organisation can file complaints with the Press Council against journalists or editors for publishing content that violates journalistic ethics or decency. “Currently, eight complaints are pending with the Press Council,” he added. In reply to a tabled question from ruling party lawmaker Md Jalal Uddin (Chadpur-2), the minister said the number of approved private television channels is 55 in the country and of which 37 channels are in full telecast operation. He also said four other television channels are owned by the government. The four channels are Bangladesh Television, BTV News (former name – BTV World), Sangsad Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Television, Chattogram Centre. The minister said the approval of any new TV channel is not pending now. In case of settlement of application to approve any new TV channel, necessary steps would be taken as per rules, he added.

Information Minister Zahiruddin Swapan visited the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) on Wednesday before going to his ministry at the Secretariat. State Minister for Home Yaser Khan Chowdhury accompanied him. They reached the Press Club around 1pm where its president Hasan Hafiz welcomed them. Later, the minister exchanged greetings with journalists at the TV room. BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Vice-President KM Mohsin, Dhaka Union of Journalists President Shahidul Islam, Vice-President Basir Jamal, Press Club member Kazi Rownak Hossain and BNP Media Cell member Sayrul Kabir Khan were, among others, present. Addressing journalists, the information minister said he had always been with journalists and will continue to do so. Swapan highlighted the importance of independent journalism to strengthen the media sector. “As a political activist, this Press Club has been my second home since my student life. We even organised hartal programmes after having dal puri here.” Will ensure fear-free media environment in Bangladesh: Info Minister The minister said he now has a responsibility to work with journalists and understands that problems in the media sector cannot be solved without addressing journalists’ own problems. “Our ministry, following the plan of our leader Tarique Rahman, will present a work plan in line with ensuring media freedom. “Before that, we will hold discussions with journalists and all stakeholders,” the minister said. Later, the minister went to his ministry at the Secretariat where Information Secretary Mahbuba Farzana welcomed him with flowers. He then met ministry officials.

The statement made by foreign missions in Dhaka over the attack on a candidate of Dhaka-17 by-election is clear violation of the Vienna Convention, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday (July 20, 2023).He said this while replying to questions from journalists after unveiling the cover of a book on Bangabandhu published by the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) at the secretariat. Also read: Assault on Hero Alam: Foreign missions in Dhaka call for investigation, accountability of perpetrators"Ambassadors are behaving like political parties. I would ask them to abide by the Vienna Convention. At the same time, it is clear from Mirza Fakhrul's statement that they want to politics of violence, which they have already started. However, the government will prevent them with a strong hand," said Hasan."When there is violence in India or Pakistan or in any other neighboring country, ambassadors do not issue statements like this. Why are statements are being made like this in our country?" he asked. Also read: Will investigate if any police negligence led to assault on Hero Alom: Home Minister "They are actually being provoked by some of our politicians and some in civil society members. So before blaming the ambassadors, I think the people who provoke them are responsible for that."However, the ambassadors must comply with the Vienna Convention," Hasan added. Earlier, foreign missions in Dhaka called for a full investigation and accountability of the perpetrators involved in the assault on Hero Alam. In a joint statement, the foreign missions said, “We condemn the July 17 attack on Dhaka-17 constituency candidate Ashraful Alam, popularly known as Hero Alam. Violence has no place in the democratic process.” Also read: Amnesty International condemns attack on Hero Alom “Everyone involved in the upcoming elections should ensure that they are free, fair, and peaceful,” said the diplomatic missions in Dhaka. The joint statement was signed by the embassies/high commissions of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and the delegation of the European Union.Hero Alam, an independent candidate contesting the Dhaka-17 by-election, was physically assaulted while leaving a polling centre in Banani area on July 17.

Those who spread confusion and misinformation do not like that Bangladesh is prospering, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud. He made the remark during an exchange of views with journalists on current issues at his residence in Chattogram city on Friday (March 31, 2023) afternoon. Hasan, also Joint General Secretary of Awami League, said that as the country continues to progress, the prosperity and wealth of every citizen also increases. He alleged some newspapers intentionally publish negative news: “Many individuals do not like the economic prosperity of Bangladesh under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. Therefore, some newspapers intentionally publish negative reports, while identified foreign individuals spread misinformation against Bangladesh." Read More: BBC film on India's PM Modi, 2002 riots draws government ire Despite these efforts, Bangladesh remains indomitable, he said. The information minister also criticized 12 countries, including the USA, that issued a statement on the arrest of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams, stating that it was tantamount to “interference in the country's internal affairs.” He highlighted the contrast between the response to this incident in Bangladesh and the “lack of concern” expressed by countries when the BBC office in India was searched. He reminded diplomats of the Vienna Convention that sets the rules and limits on their conduct while stationed abroad and asserted that the government would continue to ensure freedom of media. Read More: Indian officials search BBC offices for second straight day Mahmud also criticized the opposition party for going to foreign diplomats and requesting “intervention” instead of engaging with the people of the country. He stated that it was "anti-national and involved a conspiracy against the country" to meddle in internal affairs. Hasan Mahmud referred to a recent report by Bloomberg, a renowned US media organization, that praised the economic prosperity achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the ability to maintain economic stability even during the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession. According to the report, there is a possibility of Sheikh Hasina winning the next election and serving a fourth term as prime minister. Mahmud also shared statistics demonstrating Bangladesh's economic growth and stability under the current government. Read More: Indian officials probe BBC for 3rd day, alleging tax dodge He stated that the percentage of people living below the poverty line stands at 16% despite the COVID-19 pandemic and global recession. Additionally, Bangladesh's per capita income has surpassed that of India during the pandemic, and the country has risen from the 60th to the 35th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP, he added. The Acting President of Chattogram Metropolitan Awami League, Mahatab Uddin Chowdhury, former Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, North District President MA Salam, South District Acting President Motaherul Islam, and other party leaders were present at the event. read More: Tax officials search BBC's Delhi offices weeks after Modi documentary

BNP has realized that they cannot win in the next national election, and that is why they are making excuses for not participating in it, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said today. “We want to compete with and defeat BNP. However, they will not get the opportunity to cause mayhem as they did in 2014. If they try, the countrymen will throw them into the sea,” he said. He made the remarks at a press conference held at the AL party office in Rajshahi. Awami League wants every political party to participate in the elections, he said, adding that the caretaker government system only exists in Pakistan. Also Read: BNP’s march from Shahjadpur to Malibagh begins “BNP wants to follow Pakistan, but our electoral process will be similar to that of Australia, India, the United States, and Japan. The election will be held as per the country’s constitution,” the minister said. The AL leader also said that BNP attempted to destroy democracy during the 2014 national election. “They burnt down 500 voting centers and killed several election officers,” he added. The information minister also stated that due to the country's current economic situation, using EVMs (electronic voting machines) in all seats is not possible. “The Election Commission proposed an approximately one million dollar project to purchase EVMs. However, given the global economic situation, we decided not to proceed with the project,” he said. Also Read: BNP unveils 4-day march programme in Dhaka from Jan 28 He also said that because elections are held under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission, the government cannot transfer any OC, UNO, or constable after the election date is announced. Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation and AL presidium member AHM Khairuzzaman Liton and MP Md. Ayen Uddin were also present, among others, at the press conference.  

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud said on Friday that the Victory Day's vow is to build a fully developed country by 2041 and transform Digital Bangladesh into Smart Bangladesh by suppressing all anti-national, anti-independence forces and conspiracies, including BNP. He was speaking to the reporters after placing a wreath at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in the city's Dhanmondi, marking the country’s Victory Day. Read more: PM releases postage stamp on Victory Day He also said all the leaders of BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, the descendants of who were anti-liberation evil-forces, are engaged in anti-national conspiracy. “When the country is moving forward, even after five decades of independence, the anti-independence forces are plotting various conspiracies against the country,” Hasan said. “They (BNP) are giving wrong information about the country to foreigners and are involved in conspiracies at home and abroad.” Paying respect to the martyrs of the liberation war, Hasan Mahmud said the dreams that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman that led the struggle for the country's independence, could not be realized due to his assassination on August 15, 1975. Read more: President, PM witness Victory Day parade Under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has made incredible progress in the last 14 years on the way to fulfilling the dream of Bangabandhu, he added. “We graduated into a middle-income country and became self-sufficient in food.”

Police conducted a search operation at BNP’s Nayapaltan central office for the sake of investigation, Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud said today. “It is not unusual for police to search the BNP office, as they have found bombs there, and the law enforcement agencies must check whether there were grenades or other deadly weapons,” he said. The information minister came up with the remarks while unveiling a book titled “Politics of Bangabandhu’s Three Generations” at the Secretariat. Read more: Diplomats don’t have the power to put anyone in power: Information Minister Talking about the BNP’s allegation of police “ransacking” its central office, Hasan said, “Law enforcement agencies carried out the search operation for the sake of investigation.” Criticising BNP for “exaggerating the damages” during the search operation, the minister said BNP “flopped” on December 10. “They boasted of gathering 10 lakh people, but they finished their rally with only 50,000 people.” Read more: BNP MPs resigned to impede democracy: Hasan Mahmud

The people of the country will decide who will be in power and diplomats do not have the power to put anyone in power, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday. “People own this country. They will decide who will be in power and who will not be. Diplomats do not have the power to put anyone in power,” he said in response to a question from reporters after a meeting with Bangladesh Climate Change Journalists’ Forum at the secretariat. The government will not allow anyone to create chaos in the country and resist any such bid along with Awami League leaders and activists and the people of the country, said the minister. “BNP has been given a venue as they wanted Suhrawardy Udyan. Why are they so reluctant to go there after getting permission? They just want to hold public meetings on the streets but citizens don’t want street rally. Because, it causes public suffering,” he said. Read: Govt helping BNP to make Dhaka rally a success: Info Minister In fact, they want to make an issue, not a public meeting, said the minister. About the arrest warrants against BNP leaders Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and Ishraque Hossain , he said BNP leaders and activists are involved in arson violence. “We have the videos and audios of their instructions. Court has issued arrest warrants, police will take action as they are accused in cases. Court has rejected bail, the government has nothing to do here,” Hasan Mahmud added.