Bangladesh Warns Media Against Airing Sheikh Hasina’s Statements

Bangladesh’s interim government has issued a strict warning to all print, electronic and digital media outlets, directing them to stop publishing or broadcasting any statements linked to former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The directive comes just hours after a special tribunal sentenced the ousted leader to death in absentia, convicting her of crimes against humanity allegedly committed during last year’s student-led protests.

In an official press release on Monday, the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) expressed serious concern over “convicted and fugitive” Sheikh Hasina’s remarks being circulated by media organisations. The agency said these statements could include directives, calls or appeals that might incite “violence, disorder or criminal activities,” risking national stability and social harmony.

The NCSA stressed that media houses must act “responsibly and cautiously,” warning that the former prime minister’s comments pose a threat to public order at a time when Bangladesh remains tense following months of political unrest.

“Responsible Journalism Needed”: NCSA Cautions Media

The cyber security watchdog stated that publishing or airing statements from individuals who have been legally declared fugitives violates Bangladesh’s Cyber Security Ordinance. Authorities are empowered to remove or block any content deemed harmful to national integrity or capable of provoking ethnic or religious tensions.

The statement further warned against using fake identities, hacking or accessing restricted systems to share inciteful content — offences that carry penalties of up to two years of imprisonment and fines of up to 10 lakh Bangladeshi taka.

Although the NCSA emphasised that it “respects press freedom,” it urged media outlets to avoid amplifying any “violent, instigating or criminally provocative” statements from a convicted leader.

Sheikh Hasina’s Fall From Power

The developments follow a dramatic turn in Bangladesh’s political crisis. Sheikh Hasina, who ruled the country for more than 15 years, was ousted after massive student protests swept the nation last year. Her government’s brutal crackdown on demonstrators triggered national outrage, ultimately forcing her to flee the country.

On August 5 last year, Hasina crossed into India, where she has been living since being declared a fugitive by Bangladesh’s courts. The International Crimes Tribunal later found her guilty of crimes against humanity relating to the violent suppression of student protests, leading to her recent death sentence.

Why This Matters Now

The media restriction highlights deepened tensions within Bangladesh as the interim government attempts to assert control and maintain order. With the former prime minister still actively issuing statements from abroad, authorities fear that her words could reignite protests or destabilise the already fragile political landscape.

As Bangladesh grapples with uncertainty, the international community remains closely watching — especially with calls from Dhaka for India to hand over Sheikh Hasina intensifying.

The government’s latest warning marks one of its strongest moves yet to control the national narrative and prevent unrest from resurfacing.