Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu on Tuesday told the Parliament that the government suspended the transmission of two private television channels for hurting religious sentiment, instigating clashes, and providing false, motivated and distorted information. “Transmission of Islamic TV and Diganta Television has been suspended temporarily. They have been served show-cause notices and they have already replied,” Inu said when BNP lawmaker Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie standing on the point of order raised the issue. Inu also said the arrest of Daily Amar Desh acting Editor Mahmudur Rahman has no relation with the freedom of media as he was arrested under ‘criminal act.’
The Information Minister also said the government did not cancel the declaration of the Daily Amardesh and it has no such intentions. The Amadersh Press was sealed off temporarily as the government found some ‘objectionable’ activities there, the Minister added.
He also said the Daily Amardesh can be published alternatively by taking proper permission. Inu also informed the House that Amardesh attempted to publish newspapers from the Daily Sangram press without any permission.
About the closure of the two TV channels he said ,“It’s a temporary step and the matter is under investigation.”
He said mass media can not present distorted and untrue information. “Media doesn’t have that right. I have urged the media to stay beside the govt and act against those who are lying or distorting facts.”
-With The Independent input
