The interim government said that the broadcast and promotion of Hasina’s audio on television channels, news and online portals is a serious violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009.

The interim government of Bangladesh on Friday issued a warning to media institutions against broadcasting or propagating the statements of Awami League leader and ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and said that immediate legal action will be taken against those who violate the order.

A statement issued by the press wing of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said that we are warning the media officials involved in such criminal propaganda activities and strongly informing everyone that if anyone broadcasts Sheikh Hasina’s statements in the future, immediate legal action will be taken. The interim government said that the broadcast and promotion of Hasina’s audio on television channels, news and online portals is a serious violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009.

In a statement, the interim government described Hasina as “a convicted criminal and fugitive accused of mass murders and crimes against humanity”. Hasina, who was ousted during a street movement on August 5, 2024, is being tried in absentia on several charges at the International Crimes Tribunal. However, the tribunal has not yet convicted her on any of these charges. Hasina’s supporters say the charges against her are politically motivated. In December, the tribunal banned the broadcast of Hasina’s statements.

The statement said that some media organizations broadcast Hasina’s speech on Thursday in defiance of the law and court orders. At this critical moment in our country’s history, we cannot afford to create any unnecessary confusion. It is important to remember that Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh after she was accused of ordering the massacre of hundreds of peaceful protesters during the July uprising.