Bangladesh’s leading online news portal bdnews24.com has published a report containing statements and remarks of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina despite an existing government directive prohibiting the broadcast, publication, or circulation of her speeches, statements, and online communications in all forms of media.

The report, published on bdnews24’s Bangla platform, included political comments attributed to Hasina at a time when authorities have maintained restrictions on carrying her statements in newspapers, television channels, online news portals, and social media platforms.

The restriction was imposed through a directive issued by the National Cyber Security Agency (NCSA) under the interim government.

The notice instructed all media organizations not to publish, broadcast, relay, or reproduce any speech, audio message, video statement, live address, social media post, or other communication from Sheikh Hasina.

Authorities said such content could create instability, spread misinformation, and negatively affect law and order.

According to the government instruction, the directive applies to television channels, newspapers, online portals, YouTube channels, Facebook pages, and all other digital platforms operating in Bangladesh.

Media outlets were also warned that violation of the order could result in legal action under existing cyber security and media laws.

The notice remains active and has not been withdrawn or cancelled by the authorities.

Despite the restriction remaining in force, bdnews24.com published the report carrying Hasina’s statements, drawing attention to whether the portal violated the standing government instruction.

The development has also drawn comparisons with restrictions that existed during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure in power.

During the Awami League government, media organizations were widely accused by opposition parties and press freedom observers of avoiding or restricting coverage of current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, then acting chairman of the BNP.

Several television channels and newspapers at the time faced allegations of unofficial censorship and pressure regarding the publication or broadcast of Tarique Rahman’s speeches and political activities.

The current directive concerning Sheikh Hasina was issued after the political transition following the August 2024 uprising that led to the collapse of the Awami League government.

Since then, authorities have repeatedly instructed media organizations to comply with restrictions concerning the former prime minister’s public communications.

bdnews24.com has not publicly issued any statement regarding the publication of the report containing Sheikh Hasina’s remarks or whether it considers the report to be in compliance with the existing directive.

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