Information and Broadcasting Minister and Joint General Secretary of Awami League stated that the actions taken by Prothom Alo on Independence Day were deemed as anti-national and a conspiracy against freedom and sovereignty. Mahmud also stated that the incident involving Prothom Alo should not be equated to other instances of journalist harassment.
During his participation in the iftar mahfil of Dhaka Reporters Unity in Segunbagicha, the capital, on Saturday, the Information Minister stated that the news article published by Prothom Alo on Independence Day is a direct assault on the country’s sovereignty and freedom, and is a part of a larger conspiracy. He also mentioned that a case has been filed against the publication for this offense, and that there is no comparison to be made between this incident and any other instance of harassment of journalists.
The Information Minister expressed his concern over the misuse of the Digital Security Act to harass journalists, stating that many of them have been affected. He also assured that necessary measures are being taken to prevent such incidents and that they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that no journalist is harassed. The President and General Secretary of DRU, Morsalin Nomani and Mainul Hasan Sohel, along with members of the organization’s executive committee, were also present during this announcement.
