Dhaka, May 12 (V7N) – Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, stated that all major political parties, along with the general public, have accepted the decision to ban the activities of the Awami League, which was ousted from power during the July-August mass uprising.

Speaking at the 'Meet the Reporters' program organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Monday afternoon, Shafiqul Alam explained that the ban was imposed due to the party’s violation of human rights and suppression of voting rights.

“They deprived the people of their fundamental rights,” he said. “That’s why, after extensive discussions, the decision to ban the Awami League’s activities was made. The people of Bangladesh have breathed a sigh of relief because of this.”

UN Report Highlights Atrocities

The press secretary revealed that a UN report documented the killing of 1,400 people during the Awami League regime. “According to our estimate, the number is even higher,” he said, adding that the party has shown no remorse over the mass casualties.

He also alleged that “during the Awami League era, anyone could be labeled a militant at will”, and claimed that the ban has now restored peace among the population.

On Journalists’ Rights and Press Ethics

Turning to the rights and welfare of journalists, Shafiqul Alam emphasized the need for trade unions to advocate for journalists’ facilities, promising that the government would engage with media owners.

“Our unions were busy with Purbachal plots for the last 15 years. Journalists have been betrayed,” he said, urging collective action against the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) and its failures.

He criticized unethical media practices, noting that “an underground newspaper steals news from another and republishes it. This is not good journalism.”

Shafiqul Alam also insisted that journalists must be paid no less than Tk 30,000, saying:
“If a newspaper cannot pay a fair salary, it should shut down.”

He concluded by affirming that directives have been issued to ensure journalists’ access to government offices, and that the Office of the Chief Advisor is fully transparent, providing journalists with necessary information.

The event was attended by DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Sohel, and other executive committee members.

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