Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday dubbed as “heinous” act the murder of BUET student Abrar Farhad saying the government was determined to ensure the culprits “maximum punishment” as he exchanged views with Federation of Television Professionals’ Originations (FTPO) leaders.
“Police have already arrested all accused over Abrar death (and) the government is determined for their maximum punishment,” he told the meeting at his ministry’s conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Hasan, who is the publicity and publication secretary of the ruling Awami League as well, added the government and the ruling party was always opposed to such killings.
The minister said criticism was the practice of a democratic state while one could respond to any criticism through his or her own opinions, adding “but, the killing or attacking can’t be the way of replying to any dissent or criticism”.
Hasan said Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) already expelled some leaders and activists of its BUET unit over Abrar death.
But the minister said a vested quarter was spreading propagandas on social media over the issue in their efforts to fish in troubled water but added that the government would not tolerate if anyone who were trying to capitalise the dreadful incident for their own interests.
He said tough actions will be taken against those who will try to spread false and fabricated information centering the death.
State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hasan, Information Secretary Abdul Malek and FTPO Convener and eminent cultural personality Mamunur Rashid, among others, were present.
Rashid said some foreign TV serials appeared to be a curse and causing social decay in the country and he urged the government to form a preview committee to take approvals to run the foreign TV serials dubbed in Bangla.
About the illegal using of DTH (Direct to Home), the reception of satellite programmes with a personal dish in an individual home, Hasan said “DTH uses are totally illegal as the government didn’t give any approval to use it. Mainly, the DTH are imported from abroad and the distributors took money for one year from the consumers and they send the money through illegal way.”
