Vandalism at newspaper offices, pressure to close newspapers down won't be tolerated: Nahid

The government does not support vandalism at any newspaper office or pressure to close down newspapers, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam said today (25 November).

"Such incidents will not be tolerated in future," he told a briefing organised by the chief adviser's press wing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital this evening. 

Adviser Asif Mahmud, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Jahangir Alam Apurba were also present at the briefing.

Nahid further said, "I saw there has been tension surrounding Bangla daily Prothom Alo for the last few days. Yesterday too, there was much tension in front of their office. Today, their office was vandalised in Rajshahi and protests were held in various places, including Chattogram and Brahmanbaria.

"Our position is such that if the public has complaints or anger against any media outlet or newspaper, they can express it, but it must be done peacefully," he added.

The adviser said legal action will be taken against those involved in vandalism. 

"We urge people to express their anger peacefully. People have the right to hold an assembly. If they have specific complaints, they can take legal action. We urge the public not to participate in any undesirable or anarchic situation. We should refrain from doing things that tarnish the image of Bangladesh," he said.

The briefing was called against the backdrop of five people being detained yesterday after the police removed protesters who were attempting to hold a mass feast in front of the Bangla daily Prothom Alo's office in the capital's Karwan Bazar area. 

A group of people, comprising teachers and students of various Islamic institutes, had gathered in front of the office in the afternoon to protest what they called the newspaper leaning towards Indian hegemony.  

Earlier, a protest programme was held on Thursday under the same banner. 

The following day, a protest over a similar accusation was held in front of English newspaper The Daily Star's office.

There it was announced that cows would be slaughtered and a feast would be held in front of both the newspapers' offices.