Instigators of genocide to be brought to book: Nahid

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam today said the instigators of the genocide, committed during the student-people uprising, will be brought to book.

“Poets, writers, journalists and cultural personalities who were involved in fascism or instigated genocide must be brought to justice,” he said in reply to a question at a press conference in the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the secretariat here.

Nahid, also posts and telecommunications and information technology adviser, further said those individuals who indirectly worked in favour of genocide by molding public opinion through various writings and comments and incited genocide would be deemed as ‘involved in fascism’.

He said such individuals – may be journalists, cultural figures and poets – must be brought to justice and they will not be spared.

In response to another query regarding the murder case filed against journalists, Nahid said, “The cases are not being filed by the government rather people are doing this from their end.”

He mentioned that many cases are being filed because of personal enmity.

“That is why we have given instructions and assured that these cases will be reviewed at the earliest,” he said.

Investigation will be carried out to find out the authenticity of the allegations against anyone, he said, adding that people will be acquitted from cases if complaints against them have no valid ground.

“On Tuesday, I had exchanged views with the leaders of the Jatiya Press Club and Secretariat Journalist Forum. I told them, if there is any false accusation against any journalist or there is any harmful for them (journalists), then they can send the details of the person concerned to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. We will look into his matter,” he said.

In response to a question about giving magisterial powers to the army, the information adviser said: “The law and order situation is improving gradually… Now, we are in an emergency situation and we have to reform the country.”

Considering those matters, the army has been given this power for next two months, he said.

He said during this period, the police force will be completely reformed.

Once the police force is made strong and confident, the army will be returned to its own place, the adviser said.

When asked about the Information Ministry’s ‘Rumour Identification Cell’, Nahid said the ministry concerned is planning to create a fact checking cell so that people get the authentic news.

Earlier, Nahid Islam exchanged views with the newly elected committee members of the Bangladesh Film Censor Board and Jury Board. (BSS)