Adviser Mahfuj Alam
Govt working to prevent extremism from flourishing in Bangladesh: Adviser Mahfuj
The government is working to prevent any form of extremism from arising in Bangladesh, and is prepared to take a hardline approach if needed in this regard, according to Mahfuj Alam, adviser to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
“The government is committed to ensuring that extremism does not gain ground in Bangladesh. Any attempts to create unrest will be dealt with firmly,” Mahfuj said Wednesday, when asked to react to a report published by The New York Times.
He was speaking to journalists after visiting the grave of Shaheed Masum Mia, who was martyred in the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, and meeting his family at Uttar Rampur in Sadar South Upazila, Cumilla.
Speaking about the sacrifices made during the July-August mass uprising, the adviser said the debt to the martyrs can never be repaid. He added that their sacrifice should be remembered in determining the political future of Bangladesh.
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“The interim government is working to build the Bangladesh envisioned by the martyrs. To ensure that the families of the martyrs get justice for their lost loved ones, the government has taken necessary initiatives,” he said
He called for cooperation from all concerned, including political parties, in building a new Bangladesh based on the spirit of the martyrs. Urging the people of Bangladesh, especially political leaders, to uphold the values of sacrifice, he stressed the importance of honouring the martyrs and the injured in national discourse.
Regarding the Media Reform Commission’s report, Mahfuj said that the government will take qualitative reform initiatives in the media sector through discussions with stakeholders, following the commission’s recommendations.
8 days ago
Govt to implement commission’s recommendations for journalists’ welfare: Info Adviser
The government will work to implement the journalist-related recommendations proposed by the Media Reform Commission, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Saturday.
“If journalists had received their salaries and allowances regularly, the need for welfare grants might not have arisen,” he remarked while speaking at a cheque distribution event organised by the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust in the capital.
Speaking as a special guest, Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting continues to work for journalists' welfare.
The event provided financial aid to the families of deceased journalists and those who are ill or financially insolvent. "Initiatives will be taken to make journalism journalist-friendly by talking to media owners, editors and other stakeholders," he said.
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The adviser also assured necessary measures to expand the scope of the Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust.
Emphasising responsible journalism, she urged journalists to combat rumours and misinformation while ensuring the dissemination of objective news that safeguards national interests.
Presided over by Bangladesh Journalists’ Welfare Trust Managing Director Muhammad Abdullah, the event was also attended by Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed, Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, and journalists Muhammad Khairul Bashar, Sajid Arafat and Mir Mushfiq Ahsan.
A total of Tk 1 crore 93 lakh 90 thousand in grants were distributed among 374 journalists and their family members. Among them, 11 families of deceased journalists received financial aid, while 192 journalists suffering from critical illnesses were among the recipients.
19 days ago
Mahfuj Alam appointed Information Adviser as Nahid steps down
Mahfuj Alam has been appointed as the Information and Broadcasting Adviser in the interim government, replacing Nahid Islam, who resigned to engage in political activities.
The Cabinet Division issued a notification on Wednesday confirming Alam’s appointment.
Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus made the decision a day after Nahid Islam stepped down from his position.
Mahfuj Alam previously took the oath as an adviser on November 10 last year but had not been assigned a specific portfolio.
Students of July Movement launch ‘Gonotantraik Chhatra Sangsad’ amid protests, clashes
Earlier, on August 28, he was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, just 20 days after the interim government was formed. Alam holds a law degree from Dhaka University.
Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, a former student leader and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced his resignation at a press conference at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday.
He cited his desire to play a more active role in fulfilling the aspirations of the July mass uprising rather than remaining within the government.
“I have tried to contribute from my position over the past six months, but I now feel it is necessary to be directly with people,” Nahid said.
He acknowledged bureaucratic challenges and the difficulties in holding those responsible for the July massacre accountable but maintained that some efforts had been made.
Nahid’s resignation comes just days before the launch of a new political party by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jatiya Nagarik Committee, scheduled for February 28 at Manik Mia Avenue.
Sources suggest that Nahid is likely to join this emerging political force.
Mahfuj Alam made Information Adviser
Nahid and fellow student leader Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan were appointed as advisers to the interim government on August 9, following the fall of the Hasina administration in the mass uprising on August 5. Both were prominent figures in the student movement and were previously detained during the quota reform protests.
They are leaders of the student organization Ganatantrik Chhatra Shakti, with Nahid serving as its member secretary and Asif as the convenor of the Dhaka University unit.
Asif was formerly affiliated with Chhatra Odhikar Parishad, the student wing of Gano Odhikar Parishad, led by former DUCSU VP Nurul Haque.
Their movement played a key role in forcing Hasina to resign and leave the country, and their involvement in shaping the new political landscape continues to draw attention.
1 month ago
It’s his personal opinion, says CA’s DPS on Adviser Mahfuj’s post
Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Apurba Jahangir on Tuesday said Adviser Mahfuj Alam's recent Facebook post was entirely his personal opinion and things were made clear in his follow-up Facebook post.
“It is entirely his (Mahfuj) personal opinion. He shared another post from his Facebook account where he made things clear,” he said while responding to a question about the recent Facebook post which drew reactions from India.
Clarifying further, Apurba said the Facebook post was deleted later and stressed that it was not government’s opinion what Mahfuj shared from his verified Facebook account.
Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal, while responding to a question in a weekly briefing on December 20, said they have taken this up with the Bangladesh government.
"We have actually strongly registered our protest on this issue. We understand that the post that you referred to has been taken down. We would like to remind all concerned to be mindful of their public comments," Jaiswal said.
In his follow-up Facebook post, Adviser Mahfuj Alam said the nation lives on imagination and the state on institutions.
Read: India should recognise July uprising, democratic struggle: Mahfuj
“The imagination and articulation in line with history, culture, and civilization are necessary elements for reinvigorating the spirit of the nation. Yes, the state and its functionaries demand prudence and pragmatism,” he said.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were also present at the media briefing.
3 months ago
India should recognise July uprising, democratic struggle: Mahfuj
Adviser Mahfuj Alam has said India should unequivocally recognise the July uprising and the student-led democratic struggle in Bangladesh.
“This is the first thing to start with. Bypassing the July uprising, the foundation of new Bangladesh will be detrimental to the relationship of both countries,” Mahfuj shared the view in a Facebook post on Wednesday amid the growing tensions in India-Bangladesh relations.
“Indophiles, or Indian allies in this part of Bengal, are thinking that things are going to cool down and bypass the July uprising and the fascist's atrocities won't cost them anything. It's a wrong idea. People are watching everything!” he said.
Read: BNP demands overseas treatment for critically injured July uprising victims
The Indian establishment tried to portray the uprising as something militant, anti-Hindu, and an Islamist takeover. But their propaganda and provocation are failing, he added.
“Bangladeshi people are enjoying democratic rights without any ifs and buts after nearly two long decades! Truth has come...the false will be doomed. Forever!”
“India should change the Post '75 playbook and realise the new Bangladesh realities. It's not a post-'75-like situation. The July uprising was about a democratic, generational, and responsible struggle. And, this struggle will continue for a long period,” he added.
Read more: Palestinian struggle was key inspiration behind July Uprising: Nahid Islam
Unlike before, Bangladeshi people are united and dignified and they will fight for their dignity till their death.
4 months ago
Govt seeks UK support to bring laundered money back
Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Wednesday sought the support of the United Kingdom to bring back the money laundered from Bangladesh and run the economy that was left in fragile condition by the past autocratic regime.
“Laundered money has gone from our land to your land... we want that money back to run our economy,” Mahfuj told British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke when the latter met him at his office in Tejgaon.
Mahfuj raised the issue of a fresh travel alert that drew widespread attention on Tuesday with the British envoy, according to the Chief Adviser’s press wing.
High Commissioner Cooke cited a Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office report to assure the adviser that the UK constantly reviews travel advice for each country to ensure it includes up to date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living here.
Mahfuj explained to the High Commissioner the efforts of the government to create a national consensus on various issues, including the election process.
“It’s our revolution, and we have to protect it,” he said.
“The ideals of the July Revolution were basically dignity. Bangladeshi people did not have dignity for many years. So, they have kind of an emotional attachment to this revolution. They also fought for equality and justice,” Mahfuj said.
High Commissioner Cooke highlighted the challenges ahead of the interim government and the UK support to the interim government’s work to create a pathway to an inclusive democratic future in Bangladesh.
4 months ago
Election would be held once reform works become visible: Mahfuj Alam
Interim government’s Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Thursday said the much-desired national election would be held once the reform works become visible.
He made remarks while responding to a question at a media briefing at Foreign Service Academy in the evening.
Adviser Mahfuj urges students to submit demands through proper channels
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan, who was present at the briefing said, election is the ultimate goal and the government wants the election after necessary reforms as soon as possible.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present.
Rizwana Hasan said there has been no discussion at the meeting of the Council of Advisers regarding banning any organisation as they differentiate responsibility of an organisation and an individual.
4 months ago