The government on Tuesday warned that strict action would be taken against any individual attempting to carry out political activities on behalf of the Awami League, as such activities remain prohibited under existing government directives.
Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman said the ultimate decision on whether the Awami League would be formally banned as a political party rests with the judicial process, including proceedings before the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and the courts.
"At present, all kinds of Awami League activities are banned. However, the party itself has not yet been legally banned. The court process will determine that issue," he told journalists during his weekly briefing on government activities at the Secretariat.
Dr. Rahman said the government would enforce existing laws if any Awami League leaders, activists or supporters engage in organisational or political activities under the party's banner.
"The Ministry of Home Affairs, along with the Bangladesh Army and other law-enforcement agencies, will take necessary action if any such activities are detected," he said.
Responding to a question regarding social media-related arrests, the adviser said relevant authorities would examine such matters carefully before taking action, although specific explanations should come from the concerned ministries. As part of the briefing, Dr. Rahman also announced plans to transform Hatirjheel into a more attractive urban tourism and recreational destination.
He said additional security measures would be introduced in the area, including improved lighting, enhanced public facilities and stronger security arrangements to make the lakeside zone more accessible and enjoyable for city residents.
Turning to foreign affairs, the adviser described the Prime Minister's recent visit to Malaysia as highly successful, saying the trip had strengthened bilateral relations and opened new avenues for trade, investment, labour cooperation and regional engagement.
According to him, discussions have begun on advancing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and Malaysia, while Kuala Lumpur has reiterated its support for Dhaka's efforts to deepen engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Malaysia also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the digital economy, semiconductor manufacturing, halal industries, education, tourism, skills development, energy, defence and security sectors.
Dr. Rahman said Malaysia had reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh on the Rohingya issue, which continues to pose significant humanitarian and national security challenges.
He noted that the warm reception accorded to the Prime Minister by her Malaysian counterpart demonstrated the importance attached to the visit and reflected the growing strength of bilateral ties. The Prime Minister is currently visiting China, and details of that tour will be shared once comprehensive information becomes available, he said.
On food security, Dr. Rahman said Bangladesh's food reserves remain comfortably above the minimum safety threshold.
As of June 21, government warehouses held approximately 2.12 million tonnes of food grains against a required safety stock level of 1.35 million tonnes.
"This means the country currently has around 770,000 tonnes more food than the minimum safe reserve," he said.
The higher stock level would help stabilise market prices and support expanded food assistance programmes, including Open Market Sales (OMS) and other social safety-net schemes targeting low-income households, he said.
The adviser also focused on strengthening food safety monitoring.
During May, authorities tested 2,374 food samples and took action against businesses that failed to meet required standards, he said.
The government also organised 25 awareness campaigns and 25 community meetings to promote safe food practices.
Among other developments, Dr. Rahman said the government has undertaken a project to build a 400-kilovolt transmission ring network around Dhaka to improve electricity distribution reliability.
He also announced a policy decision to bring all 64 districts under the railway network, with new rail connections planned for Sherpur, Meherpur, Magura, Satkhira, Barishal, Barguna, Patuakhali, Jhalakathi, Pirojpur and Lakshmipur.
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