‘People won’t allow pro-fascist forces in politics’
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman on Friday said people would not allow pro-fascist and autocratic forces to return to politics or engage in terrorism in Bangladesh.
“Those attempting to bring a death-row convict back to Bangladesh through bomb attacks and intimidation have yet to understand the people of this country. The people won’t allow pro-fascism and autocracy forces to return to politics or engage in terrorism in the country,” he said.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at a special general meeting of the Dhaka-based Jhenaidah Journalists’ Forum at the Jatiya Press Club.
He said several people allegedly involved in bomb attacks and terrorist activities had already been arrested. The government had also collected information and evidence about those involved and the methods used to carry out the activities, he added.
Asaduzzaman said people were also observing who had chosen the path of terrorism.
Speaking about the role of journalism, the minister said the media had earned public trust. People often turned to journalists when they faced harassment or failed to receive justice, he said, urging them to protect that trust. He called on professional journalists to speak out against unethical practices and yellow journalism.
“Journalists must play a responsible role in this regard for the sake of their own honour, dignity and the interests of future generations. The government will extend its cooperation whenever necessary,” he said.
He also urged journalists to use their pens in support of truth and justice and against injustice, drugs and corruption.
Referring to law and order, the minister said there had been no incidents of extrajudicial killings or enforced disappearances in the country over the past nearly nine months.
He added that the government was also trying to move away from the practice of police filing false cases.
Asaduzzaman urged the media to highlight government initiatives aimed at protecting people’s rights, while acknowledging that all problems could not be resolved overnight. He said the government wanted to move forward on the right path, guided by accurate information.
Prime Minister’s Assistant (Political) Md Rashed Khan attended the programme as a special guest. Jhenaidah Journalists’ Forum President Mehedi Hasan Palash chaired the meeting, while its General Secretary Shahnaz Begum Polly moderated it.
Senior journalist Khairul Alam Bokul also addressed the meeting.
Among those present were Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Joint Secretary Raju Ahmed; the forum’s Senior Vice-President and Daily Kalbela Head of News Md Kabir Hossain; ATN News Executive Director Mosharraf Hossain; Joint General Secretary Md Ziaur Rahman; Treasurer Masum Billah; and Office Secretary Rubel Parvez.