Major Bangladesh newspapers omit Hasina speech after government warning

Six major Bangladeshi newspapers did not publish reports detailing fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s Aug. 5 speech to journalists in New Delhi, a review of their websites found.

The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, Prothom Alo, Bangladesh Pratidin, The Financial Express and Daily Sun carried reports about the planned appearance, India’s response or Bangladesh government criticism, but searches found no articles presenting Hasina’s remarks from the event.

The omission followed a Tarique Rahman government warning that outlets carrying Hasina’s speeches could face action for violating a court order.

“The government’s responsibility is to ensure implementation of the court’s decisions,” information and broadcasting adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said.

Independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana criticized the restriction, saying, “Anyone who wants to listen to Sheikh Hasina’s speech will be able to do so.” She said in today’s media environment such restrictions are largely useless.

Major international outlets have covered the speech in detail.