Govt Urges Media to Follow Court Directives on Broadcasting Hasina's statements

The Bangladesh government has directed all media outlets and social media platforms to stop broadcasting or publishing statements by ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Issued on Friday through a Press Information Department (PID) handout, the directive cites a December 5, 2024 order by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) that explicitly banned the broadcast of Hasina’s remarks.

The government emphasized that Hasina is a convicted fugitive. Under existing Bangladeshi law strict legal restrictions prohibit publishing or broadcasting interviews, statements or audio-visual messages from convicted fugitives.

To maintain law and order and uphold the judiciary's authority, the government requested all television and radio stations, print media, online news portals and social media platforms not to air or publish any of her speeches whether live or recorded.

Authorities expressed hope that media organizations relevant stakeholders and citizens will fully cooperate and comply with the court's directive.