Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, has alleged that Indian media outlets are engaged in a daily campaign of spreading dangerous misinformation aimed at destabilising Bangladesh, with the support of the Awami League. He further stated that the government intends to present a report to the United Nations detailing 15 years of false and unethical journalism and will seek an official investigation.
Speaking on Friday (May 2) at a discussion event titled "Challenges of the Media" held at the July Uprising Memorial Hall of the Chattogram Press Club, Alam made several strong remarks regarding press freedom and political interference.
"This is currently the best time for journalists. No media outlet has been shut down by the government. Journalists are working freely and independently," he said.
Responding to questions about the recent termination of three journalists, he clarified that the government had no involvement. "The government played no role in their dismissal," he emphasised.
Although there are accusations that journalism has been restricted through the Digital Security Act introduced by the Awami League, he said, "In reality, the media is doing whatever it wants. Journalists are now able to write freely."
He also pointed out that no media outlet has been shut down in Bangladesh since the July Uprising, contrasting the situation with other countries where such closures are common.
