ICT Adviser Nahid Islam Yet to Decide on Resignation
Nahid Islam, the Adviser on ICT, Telecommunications, and Information and Broadcasting, has stated that no decision has yet been made regarding his resignation from the government. He assured that if such a decision is taken, it will be announced beforehand.
He made these remarks while speaking to journalists on Thursday at the Tothyo Bhaban (Information Building) in Dhaka, following an event organized by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust. The event marked the distribution of welfare grants for journalists who were martyred or injured in the July Uprising, as well as scholarships for their children and financial aid for ailing and underprivileged journalists.
“No Decision Yet, We Are Still Working for the Government”
Addressing queries about his political future, Nahid Islam stated, “If the situation arises for us to join a political party, or if a decision is made to leave the government, we will inform everyone in advance. No such decision has been made from my side yet. We are still working for the government.”
He also clarified his previous remarks regarding political party affiliations, stating, “When it was discussed that individuals in government might join political parties, I had mentioned that if a new political party or any other party is formed, we will not be associated with it while being in government.”
Call for Ban on Awami League
Responding to a question on why the Awami League has not been banned, Nahid Islam emphasized that it is not merely an administrative decision but also a political one. He further stated, “Personally, from the perspective of students, I believe that the Awami League has engaged in fascism for the past 15 years and committed genocide during the July Revolution. Therefore, they should not be allowed to continue political activities under the name or banner of Awami League.”
Tribute to Martyred Journalists
Remembering the sacrifices of journalists during the July Uprising, Nahid Islam acknowledged their contributions against fascism while also expressing disappointment over some journalists who, according to him, collaborated with the regime. He remarked, “Over the past 15 years, the role of the media needs to be critically evaluated.”
He also assured that the interim government would honor the martyrs and injured journalists of the uprising and confirmed that financial support for retired and veteran journalists is under government consideration.
Government’s Stance on Media Freedom
Welcoming media criticism, the adviser reiterated that the government does not exert pressure on the press. However, he firmly stated, “The rehabilitation of fascism under the guise of media freedom will not be tolerated.”
Welfare Grants and Scholarships Distributed
At the event, Mahbuba Farzana, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, emphasized that journalist grants are governed by legal provisions and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting journalists in need.
The event was presided over by Muhammad Abdullah, Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust, with speeches from prominent media figures, including:
- Shahidul Islam, President of Dhaka Journalists Union
- Khurshed Alam, General Secretary of Dhaka Journalists Union
- Khairul Bashar, Vice-President of BFUJ
- Abul Kalam Azad Majumdar, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser
- Ayub Bhuiyan, General Secretary of the National Press Club
- Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, CEO of the Film and Television Institute
- Journalists Muhammad Baker Hossain, Sajid Arafat, and Shahin Hasnat
Breakdown of Financial Aid
During the event, a total of BDT 18,026,000 was distributed among 463 journalist families, including:
- BDT 8.9 million for 127 journalists and families of deceased journalists
- BDT 5.526 million as one-time scholarships for 305 meritorious children of journalists
- BDT 2 million (BDT 200,000 each) for five families of journalists martyred in the July Uprising
- BDT 2.6 million (BDT 100,000 each) for 26 journalists injured in the uprising
The event saw the participation of key officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, various media organizations, and print and electronic media journalists.
