Information Minister and Joint General Secretary of Awami League Dr Hasan Mahmud said that the issue of sabotage behind the fire at BM Depot in Sitakunda and later in several trains is becoming clearer.
Responding to a question from reporters at the Secretariat on Monday afternoon, he said, "I have been saying from the very beginning about the BM Depot fire that it is necessary to find out whether there was sabotage or not. It is slowly becoming clear. You know, the train in Sylhet caught fire from the toilet, then the Khulna-bound train caught fire while standing. Initially, it seems that there is an addition of sabotage. In fact, I personally think that these are being done to create a panic in the country, to fade the joy that is all over the country.
"Those who have committed arson, burned people to death, spread rumors, spread rumors at different times are involved in these activities," the minister said, adding that an investigation was underway and it would be made clear through an investigation. I personally think there is sabotage in them," he said.
Asked about the BNP leaders' statements on Begum Zia's health, Dr Hassan said, "I pray to God that she recovers. But the people of BNP do not want Begum Khaleda Zia to be healthy. If he is ill, it is an advantage for them to do politics. Today I saw a BNP leader saying in his speech- Begum Khaleda Zia is moaning, it seems that she is moaning. Begum Zia has already been cured by our native doctors with their talents and qualifications. So he will get well again.”
Earlier, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, vice-president of the Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO), an association of private television owners, handed over a memorandum to Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud with six demands. Additional Secretary of the Ministry Khadija Begum was present on the occasion.
The vice president said in a written statement that the online video of the newspaper was stopped, news broadcast on IP TV was stopped, full implementation of Cleanfeed, launch of TRP service, digitization of cable network and creation of advertisements with foreign models. We drew the ministry's attention to the digital content being promoted and said that it was a violation of the law on newspaper declaration. Even these are against the broadcasting law. As well as the online policy, it is not approved in the policy. I hope the ministry will take action against those who are doing this kind of thing. '
Iqbal Sobhan said, "Our editorial board issued a statement two days ago. Their statement is in favor of the newspaper, but the explanation is not true. Newspaper declaration is given to publish the magazine. Magazines that are online can upload news, pictures, editorials, opinions in an online magazine as e-papers. And you can upload news in 24 hours if you want all day long. But there is no mention of uploading digital content in this declaration, nor in the online law.”
With an example, he said, “Can I drive a bus-truck with the permission of a sedan? Or I can't drive a launch-steamer with permission to drive a bus-truck. So I think everyone should abide by the law. Today, in writing, we want to make our demands on behalf of Etco. I hope the ministry will take action on this basis.”
Information and Broadcasting Minister in terms of demands. "It informs us of various issues," Hassan said. Today they have given us their demands in writing. We have seen the prevailing rules in the law that in order to register the online version of the newspaper, the condition was that they would upload the content of the newspaper. And online news portals and online versions of magazines, talk shows or news bulletins are not allowed under the law. The ministry is examining Etcor's other claims, he added.