Bangladesh Bans Sheikh Hasina Interview: After a recent interview of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a new political controversy has started in the country. The government has asked all print, electronic, online and social media platforms not to broadcast or publish any statement, speech or interview of Sheikh Hasina. The government says that this step has been taken to ensure compliance with the already implemented order of the court.

This directive was issued when Sheikh Hasina’s interview given to news agency Reuters was published and broadcast by many media organizations of Bangladesh. In the interview, Sheikh Hasina had said that she would return to Bangladesh in December this year. After his statement, the government reminded the media of the court orders and asked them to be strict.

Cited court order

In a statement issued late on Friday night, the government said that in the year 2024, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) had ordered a ban on the telecast of Sheikh Hasina’s statements. Apart from this, the government also made it clear that legal restrictions are also applicable on the broadcast of statements, interviews or audio-video messages of those who have been convicted by the court and who have been declared absconding. Therefore all media institutions will have to follow these rules.

Meanwhile, London-based senior Bangladeshi journalist Syed Badrul Ahsan has reacted to Sheikh Hasina’s statement. He said her desire to return to Bangladesh was a sign that she was still one of the country’s most influential political leaders. According to Ahsan, if Sheikh Hasina returns home, it will be the responsibility of the government to ensure her safety.

Deadly attacks have happened before too

Ahsan also reminded that Sheikh Hasina had faced fatal attacks several times before. He told that he was attacked in Chittagong in 1988. After this, she also became the target in the grenade attack in Dhaka in 2004. In such a situation, security arrangements will be very important in view of their possible return.

At present, legal and political controversies to Sheikh Hasina remain a topic of constant discussion in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has once again clarified that action can be taken as per law against media organizations violating court orders.