Corruption allegations against members of the interim government will be investigated if supported by specific evidence, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting, Policy and Strategy, and Culture Dr Zahed Ur Rahman has said, stressing that the government wants allegations of corruption from both past and present administrations to be examined impartially.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday (30 June), Dr Rahman said corruption is a criminal offence with no statute of limitations, meaning allegations can be investigated at any time.
Responding to another question, the information adviser said the Awami League would not be permitted to conduct political activities under any name while the court-imposed ban on the party remains in force.
“As long as the court’s prohibition remains effective, the Awami League will not be allowed to carry out political activities under any name,” he said.
Dr Rahman also urged media organisations to comply with legal restrictions on broadcasting statements by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, saying some media outlets had failed to comply with the court order.
He noted that Sheikh Hasina fled the country on 5 August 2024 following the student-led mass uprising. Subsequently, her speeches and statements continued to circulate on social media.
On 5 December 2024, the International Crimes Tribunal imposed a ban on the dissemination of all forms of her alleged hate speech through both the media and social media platforms.
“As a convicted offender, there is a legal prohibition on broadcasting Sheikh Hasina’s statements. We expect media organisations to respect the law and established journalistic standards and to act responsibly in this regard,” he said.