Govt won't stand attack on media houses

Information and broadcasting adviser Nahid Islam asserted on Monday that his government would not tolerate any attempt to attack media houses.

Referring to recent demonstrations against media outlets, he said, "We've been observing a tense situation centring the Prothom Alo for some days. A group of people demonstrated outside the daily today and yesterday."

"The Rajshahi office of the newspaper was ransacked and demonstrations were held in some areas of the country, including in Chittagong and Brahmanbaria."

Mr Nahid made the observations during a press briefing hosted by the press wing of the chief adviser.

"If a section of people has complaints against a media house, they can express it and it must be done peacefully. We don't support vandalising any media house or creating pressure to shut down any media outlet."

"The government won't stand such incidents against any media house in future. Those involved in today's incidents will be brought to book," said the adviser categorically.

"Our appeal is that if the public harbour any grudges that should be expressed peacefully.

They have freedom of assembly. If they have any specific allegation, they can take legal action," he said, urging people not to take part in anarchy.

"We should refrain from creating any incident that may undermine the image of the country," concluded Mr Nahid.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com