DHAKA, Sept 20, 2021 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan
Mahmud today said the Election Commission (EC) of the country doesn't need
anyone's assistance as the commission itself is strong, capable, and
independent for holding polls.
"I think there is no need of anyone's help for holding elections in
Bangladesh as the commission has already conducted many polls in fair and
transparent manner," he said talking to reporters at the meeting room of his
ministry at the Secretariat here.
Earlier, Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, unveiled a
publication 'BSRF Barta', the maiden publication of Bangladesh Secretariat
Reporters Forum (BSRF).
He congratulated the BSRF committee members for the publication,
expressing hope that it (publication) would be published regularly.
Replying to another query over seeking bank details of journalists, the
minister said the government can seek anyone's bank details.
"Bank details of lawmakers, businessmen and government officials have also
been sought. But, there is no need to be worried if they are transparent and
honest. Their image in front of the people will be brighten if their
transparency regarding finance comes out through this bank account," he
added.
Many people raised question why the bank details were sought in the name
of organizations and it was published in the mass media, he said.
Replying to another comment over a demand of conducting an impartial
election under neutral government by BNP, Hasan said the BNP leaders demanded
this during the last twelve and a half years. But the countrymen didn't
response to their call, he added.
The present government will perform duties in the next parliamentary
election as the electoral government as per the Bangladesh's constitution, he
added.
Criticising a comment of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir
on Begum Khaleda Zia's permanent release, the minister said they (BNP) should
thank the government. "Begum Zia didn't get bail. The Prime Minister has
shown her unprecedented generosity to Begum Zia by releasing her (Begum Zia),
who is a convicted for embezzling the money of orphans," he added.
"The government can suspend the six-month stay order at any time. If the
order is revoked tomorrow, then Begum Khaleda Zia will have to go back to
jail. I think they should remember this," he added.
Replying to a query on IP (internet protocol) TV, Hasan said it is the duty
of his ministry to provide registration for IP TV. But, they (IP TV) get
domain from BTRC (Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission), he
added. From now, he said the authorities concerned should be more careful in
allocating domain. A meeting will be held on this issue on September 22, he
added.