AL involved in arson, killings since its inception: State Minister

DHAKA: State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has alleged that the Awami League (AL), whose activities are currently banned, has been involved in arson attacks, enforced disappearances and killings since its inception.

He said the party was repeatedly demonstrating its political character through incidents of arson and violence in different parts of the country.

The minister made the remarks on Tuesday (November 10) while responding to questions from journalists after a meeting with leaders of the Broadcast Journalists Center (BJC) at the Secretariat.

“Those carrying out arson attacks today are not doing anything new. Their politics is a politics of destruction. They have been involved in arson attacks since their inception. They are involved in enforced disappearances and killings,” Yaser Khan Chowdhury said.

Referring to the ban on the Awami League’s activities, he said the restrictions also apply to all activities of its affiliated, associate and fraternal organisations.

He pointed out that the Bangladesh Gazette published on May 12, 2025, contains clear instructions on the matter.

According to the minister, the Gazette prohibits all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, including publications, publicity through the media and online social media platforms, processions, rallies and public meetings.

“Just as their activities are prohibited, promoting their activities is also prohibited. I believe the media should keep this in mind,” he said.

Commenting on recent arson incidents, the minister said a handful of people could gather under the cover of darkness, chant slogans at different locations or set fire to vehicles and buses before fleeing.

However, he claimed that such incidents repeatedly demonstrated that the Awami League was responsible for arson-related violence.

On the law and order situation, he said law enforcement agencies and members of the public remained vigilant. Police and other security forces were taking necessary steps to arrest members of what he described as terrorist organisations. Several people had already been arrested in different areas, he added.

Referring to the party’s fugitive top leadership, the minister said the alleged mastermind behind the arson attacks would be brought back to Bangladesh and brought to justice.

“The people of Bangladesh want to see this trial,” he said.

Government Has No Intention of Controlling the Media

Speaking about the demands raised by the BJC, Yaser Khan Chowdhury said the organisation had proposed several changes to existing policies and regulations.

He said BJC representatives had shared ideas on how television channels could remain financially viable and become more modern. Discussions also covered the development of digital platforms.

The minister said the BJC would submit its demands and proposals to the government in writing, after which the authorities would review them and make decisions accordingly.

He also said the government was not currently controlling the media and had no intention of doing so in the future.

BJC Chairman Fahim Ahmed, Member Secretary Ilyas Hossain and other leaders of the organisation were present at the meeting.