Government intends to keep Awami League activities banned: Info Advisor

The government intends to keep the political activities of the Awami League banned following its ouster in the student-led mass uprising, according to Zahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Advisor. He made these remarks during a media briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday (June 9).

The Advisor explained that the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009 has been amended to reflect the government's stance on restricting the activities of the Awami League. However, he clarified that as individuals, anyone is permitted to participate in the upcoming local government elections since these polls are being conducted on a non-partisan basis.

Shifting the focus to recent civic management, Zahed Ur Rahman shared that the two city corporations of Dhaka have successfully removed over 51,000 tons of sacrificial animal waste following Eid-ul-Azha. He noted that the entirety of the sacrificial demands was met successfully using livestock sourced from domestic farmers.

Addressing economic and defense matters, the Advisor stated that the government decided against raising diesel prices in consideration of the consumers' financial burden. He assured that the country currently holds a food grain stock of over 500,000 tons. Furthermore, he revealed that the government is actively working on procuring fourth-generation fighter jets to strengthen national defense.

Regarding infrastructure and health development, Zahed Ur Rahman announced plans to upgrade all upazila health complexes across the country to 101-bed facilities, noting that only eight upazilas currently possess 101-bed hospitals. He also highlighted environmental progress, mentioning that 666 canals have already been excavated nationwide.

Lastly, addressing the issue of border push-ins, the Prime Minister's Advisor stated that the action is part of the BJP's election promises in West Bengal, India, and clarified that Bangladesh does not feel pressured by this situation.