The adviser continued, “If a dismissal is necessary, it must follow a clear procedure and proper notice must be served to this end. We stand against any action that threatens an individual’s livelihood.”
He made this remark while addressing a seminar titled “Murder and Persecution of Journalists during the Fascist Regime” organized by Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust at the hall room of the Department of Films and Publications here.
Mahfuz Alam said, “Deepto TV authorities did not serve any notice prior to suspending its news transmission. But, in such a manner the transmission was halted it seems to all that the government shut down the media.”
He added, “But the government didn’t shut down its news transmission. This is an act of impetuousness. It is not a good sign. The government’s policy is that no outlet will be forcibly closed. But, there will be an investigation to determine whether the media acted in favor of any particular political party.”
Mahfuj Alam said asking question is important to make the government accountable. However, there is a clear distinction between questions and propaganda.
He noted “Some newspapers still do not write July uprising, instead they write July movement, they do not say the government of the July uprising, they say the government of the change of power. This means that 2000 people were not martyred here. It seems to all that there was a conspiracy, Hasina was overthrown there. The media can’t do this.”
Mentioning that these media outlets have not been shut down, the Information Adviser said, “Everything has happened before your eyes. The media is carrying out such a big uprising only in the name of a movement; it is very disappointing and sad.”
He said none was allowed to hurt media outlet till date, and it will not be allowed in the future. “Fascism is a terrible thing— we must always keep its memory alive. If we forget, this dark chapter may be repeated. The rule of Sheikh Mujib and Sheikh Hasina does not match any other era.”
The Information Adviser said that the media outlets that were given licenses during the Awami League period will be investigated.
He said even though Ershad was a dictator, while Sheikh Hasina is called a fascist. The reason for this is that Ershad had less manpower, while Mujib and Hasina of the Awami League had people everywhere, this party has established fascism in all systems, he added.
Mahfuj Alam said that today, Awami League leaders and activists are absconding; and Sheikh Hasina is responsible for it. Sheikh Hasina was the last person from the Sheikh family to escape because all the members of Sheikh Families had escaped before her.
With Managing Director of Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust Mohammad Abdullah in the chair, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman, Daily Jaijaidin Editor Shafiq Rehman, Media Reform Commission Chief Kamal Ahmed, Former Editor of Daily Sangram Abul Asad, Acting President of BFUJ Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Vice President Khairul Bashar, Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, Daily Naya Diganta Executive Editor Masumur Rahman Khalili, and Shirsho News Editor Ekramul Haque also spoke on the occasion.
DFP Director General Khaleda Begum, Principal Information Officer Md. Nizamul Kabir, Director General (Additional Duty) of National Institute of Mass Communication Md. Kawser Ahammed, and Director General (Current charge) of Department of Mass Communication Faizul Haque were present during the time.
