BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia yesterday expressed her concern over imposing on broadcasting news on private TV channels making her doubt whether the people would be able to know the facts since the government ministers summoned the TV channel owners and gave directives to them.
This was stated by BNP chairperson’s media adviser Shawkat Mahmud after meeting with her at Khaleda’s her Gulshan office last night.
The comments of former premier came hours after some influential ministers held a meeting with TV channel owners and their chief executives at the secretariat suggesting them to be cautious not to encourage broadcasting news on acts of sabotage including vandalism and arson during blockade and hartals.Shawkat Mahmud, who is also president of a faction of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, alleged that government has imposed new censorship on media to hide the facts from the people.
He said in the name of holding meeting with owners and chief executives of TV channels, the ministers issued a mild note of warning.
The matter of imposing censorship on media was discussed with Khaleda Zia. She expressed her concern over such warning of ministers, he added.
Replying to a question, he said Khaleda remains firm to continue the ongoing movement to restore the democracy. “She (Khaleda) called upon the party leaders, and the people to continue the blockade programme until victory is achieved,” he added.
Asked whether the BNP chairperson would return to her residence he replied in the negative saying that Khaleda would stay at her office until the blockade programme is over. – Staff Reporter
