Media Urged Not to Broadcast Statements of Convicted Individuals, Including Sheikh Hasina

The National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) has requested all media outlets to refrain from broadcasting statements made by Sheikh Hasina—who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity—or by any other convicted individuals.

The directive was issued through a notice signed by Muhammad Jasim Uddin, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, and circulated to the media on Monday, 17 November.

According to the notice, the NCSA has observed with serious concern that certain print and electronic media, as well as online news portals, are broadcasting statements and messages from Sheikh Hasina, who is both convicted and absconding. Many such statements were found to contain direct calls or instructions encouraging violence, disorder, criminal activities, and actions that disrupt social harmony.

Broadcasting the statements of convicted and fugitive individuals is a violation of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2025. In particular, Section 8(2) of the ordinance empowers law enforcement agencies to remove or block any digital or electronic content that threatens the country’s integrity, security, or public order, or that incites ethnic/religious hatred or violence.

Furthermore, Section 26(1) specifies that publishing or disseminating hate speech, ethnic incitement, or violence through “false identity” or unauthorized access constitutes a punishable offense. Under Section 26(2), offenders may face up to two years' imprisonment and/or a fine of up to ten lakh taka.

The notice adds that while the NCSA respects freedom of expression and journalistic independence, it urges the media to refrain from disseminating any statements from convicted individuals that promote violence, disorder, criminality, or incitement. Media outlets are advised to remain mindful of their legal responsibilities in this regard.

DigiBangla/JEU/MUIM/OR