DHAKA, Oct 9, 2019 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today
dubbed as “heinous” act the murder of BUET student Abrar Farhad saying the
government was determined to ensure the culprits “maximum punishment” as he
exchanged views with Federation of Television Professionals’ Originations
(FTPO) leaders.
“Police have already arrested all accused over Abrar death (and) the
government is determined for their maximum punishment,” he told the meeting
at his ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Hasan, who is the publicity and publication secretary of the ruling Awami
League as well, added the government and the ruling party was always opposed
to such killings.
The minister said criticism was the practice of a democratic state while
one could respond to any criticism through his or her own opinions, adding
“but, the killing or attacking can’t be the way of replying to any dissent or
criticism”.
Hasan said Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) already expelled some leaders
and activists of its BUET unit over Abrar death.
But the minister said a vested quarter was spreading propagandas on social
media over the issue in their efforts to fish in troubled water but added
that the government would not tolerate if anyone who were trying to
capitalise the dreadful incident for their own interests.
He said tough actions will be taken against those who will try to spread
false and fabricated information centering the death.
State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hasan, Information Secretary Abdul
Malek and FTPO Convener and eminent cultural personality Mamunur Rashid,
among others, were present.
Rashid said some foreign TV serials appeared to be a curse and causing
social decay in the country and he urged the government to form a preview
committee to take approvals to run the foreign TV serials dubbed in Bangla.
About the illegal using of DTH (Direct to Home), the reception of
satellite programmes with a personal dish in an individual home, Hasan said
“DTH uses are totally illegal as the government didn’t give any approval to
use it. Mainly, the DTH are imported from abroad and the distributors took
money for one year from the consumers and they send the money through illegal
way.”
He said the government will take punitive actions against the dishonest
distributors who will show negligence to remove DTH by the government’s
stipulated time of December 15.
The minister said some television channels are airing foreign TV serials
dubbed in Bangla which is not acceptable. “So, the ministry has issued an
order for TV channels to take government’s approval to broadcast the dubbing
serials. A preview committee will also be formed soon to oversee the matter,”
he added.
He said the government has already taken many steps to bring discipline in
the broadcast media in the last six months.
“We have already taken initiatives for the betterment of mass media . . .
these initiatives put media in order mostly,” Hasan said.