Bangladesh Interim Government Threatens Media Shutdown Over Misleading News

On Sunday, Bangladesh's interim government in Dhaka issued a severe deterrent to media organizations, menacing shutdowns for publishing or broadcasting false or misleading news in an effort to battle misinformation. "A nation falters when the media fails to uphold the truth," said Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, Home Affairs Adviser to the interim government, during a visit to injured policemen at Rajarbagh Central Police Hospital.

He warned that media outlets could face closure if they disseminate misleading news, according to the Dhaka Tribune. Criticizing the media for not presenting the truth, Hossain stated, "A country deteriorates when the media fails to report honestly," and suggested that accurate reporting might have prevented the current situation with the police.

"The media often ignores the truth...There is a lack of substantive discussion on talk shows, and the media fails to provide accurate information," he said.

Meanwhile, Nahid Islam, adviser for Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, stated that action will be taken against those responsible for the internet shutdown during the recent student protests. Speaking to journalists on his first day at the Secretariat on Sunday, Nahid emphasized that individuals involved in the internet disruption will face repercussions, according to the Daily Star.

He stated that internet access is a fundamental right and that disrupting or shutting it down constitutes a violation of human rights. Nahid emphasized that such indiscriminate internet shutdowns will no longer be tolerated. Bangladesh experienced frequent internet disruptions during the recent protests against the Hasina government.

Nahid mentioned that the Information and Communication Technology Division plans to include youth participation to meet the aspirations of the younger generation.

Newly appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md Mainul Islam announced that at least 42 police officers were killed and many others injured in conflict during the recent student protests in Bangladesh, which contributed to the ruin of the Sheikh Hasina government. According to the Daily Star, over 500 police personnel were injured and received hospital treatment. Islam also noted that more than two dozen officers are still undergoing treatment.