DHAKA, April 21, 2018 (BSS)- Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, MP, today said that the gazette regarding the dearness allowance as recommended by the 9th wage board for journalists would be issued soon after the return of the prime minister to the country.
The minister was addressing a meeting with reporters at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) auditorium here.
Referring to allegations brought by BNP about the imprisonment of Khaleda Zia being a tactic to keep BNP out of the electoral process, Inu said “It (Imprisonment) is a matter to be settled by the courts. We’ve nothing to do with it.”
Adding that elections are the responsibility of the Election Commission (EC).
He also said that once the election schedule is announced the government does not and would not do anything that may have a bearing on the election.
He said, adding, “It will just carry out routine functions as is done in all democracies.”
Replying to a question about the participation of BNP and other political parties, he said, “Participation could not be made conditional on the release of any particular person, as she had been convicted by an open court.”
The minister also said participation of militants or their patrons does not sanctify an election, rather without militants democracy was better off.
The minister narrated at length the achievements of the current government and said it had restored Bangladesh to its basic foundations, asserted the rule of law by bringing criminals to justice and ensured the economic growth of the country.
Explaining their alliance with Jatiya Party, he said, “Ershad had agreed to our programmes, including the trial of war criminals, therefore we agreed to an alliance with him.”
In a reference to his ministry’s work he said that they had worked on framing and updating media related laws. “They would be placed in parliament in the next session of parliament,” he added.
He also said that several civil works were underway to better house the departments under the ministry.
Responding to questions about certain sections in the proposed Cyber Security Law he said the government was open to suggestions from all stakeholders or citizens.