Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam today asserted that there is no provision to terminate a journalist's employment without serving a proper notice. "Three journalists have been dismissed, and we strongly oppose this action. The government does not support the termination of any journalist without due process," he stated during a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust at the Department of Films and Publications.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahfuj Alam emphasized that any necessary dismissal must adhere to a clear procedure with proper notice. He addressed the recent suspension of news transmission by Deepto TV, clarifying that the government did not shut down the media, and such abrupt actions are not sanctioned by governmental policy. An investigation will be conducted to determine if the media outlet acted in favor of any political party.
Alam highlighted the importance of questioning the government to ensure accountability while distinguishing between questions and propaganda. He criticized some newspapers for their portrayal of the July uprising, suggesting that their narrative might imply a conspiracy against Hasina's government. He affirmed that no media outlet has been forcibly closed and expressed concern over media narratives that may misrepresent political events.
The seminar, chaired by Managing Director of Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust Mohammad Abdullah, was attended by various notable figures, including Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana and Daily Jaijaidin Editor Shafiq Rehman. Alam concluded by warning against the threat of fascism and the need to remember past dark chapters to prevent their recurrence. He also mentioned that media outlets licensed during the Awami League period would be subject to investigation.