Don't give Awami student wing publicity, Bangladesh media warned

DHAKA: The Bangladesh interim government chief adviser's special assistant, Mahfuj Alam, warned journalists on Thursday against running any news about Bangladesh Chhatra League - the students' wing of Awami League, saying it is now a banned organisation. Mahfuj urged journalists to avoid playing any role in publicity for the "terrorist organisation".

Mahfuj also said the interim government wouldn't tolerate any attacks on the media and freedom of expression and warned of legal action.

On Friday, chief adviser Muhammad Yunus's press wing produced a list of 44 policemen killed during the July-Aug student-led uprising. "This list is published by police HQ," it said, warning that some individuals had been inflating the numbers and "deliberately spreading lies" .

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party brought to the interim government's attention some media reports that claimed "deposed PM Sheikh Hasina was seen walking in a Delhi park under special security". It also urged it to swiftly begin the process of a free and fair election. "I urge chief adviser Muhammad Yunus to stay watchful," BNP's Zainul Abedin Farroque said, adding, there was a conspiracy to weaken the interim government.