Dhaka: Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman has accused certain newspapers and social media platforms from both Bangladesh and a neighboring country of fabricating information to produce misleading reports and videos aimed at embarrassing the government. Ruman made this statement during a press briefing held at the Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister's Office, marking the government's seven-month tenure.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ruman emphasized that the government believes in press freedom and called on the media to cooperate with the administration. He urged for patience, noting that the government had only been in office for seven months. Ruman specifically addressed a video depicting the demolition of a temple for renovation, which he claimed was being misrepresented as government action against the temple. He clarified that the government is conducting renovation and development work on various old structures and accused some media outlets in Bangladesh of publishing manipulated reports to tarnish the government's image.
Ruman also highlighted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's commitment to press freedom, recalling his previous association with a national daily as its publisher. He mentioned the closure of the newspaper six months before the previous government left office, which led to job losses for many journalists and employees. Ruman expressed gratitude to those who protested or showed sympathy towards the closure.
Reflecting on Tarique Rahman's activities before becoming prime minister, Ruman noted his engagement with issues across the country and interactions with local communities. He also mentioned the foreign debt left by the previous government, warning that future generations would inherit this debt burden. Ruman assured that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to improve citizens' lives.
Addressing recent gas and electricity shortages, Ruman stated that the prime minister had taken measures to resolve these issues, including setting a deadline for the gas supply problem and establishing a monitoring cell. He called for cooperation to build a prosperous Bangladesh and encouraged support for the Prime Minister from all sectors.
The briefing also featured statements from Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly, and was conducted by Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony. Present at the briefing were Prime Minister's Speech Writer Mahfuzur Rahman, PM's Personal Physician Dr Monowarul Kadir Bitu, and members of the Press Wing.