Dhaka, Dec 14 (V7N) — Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the newly appointed Advisor to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, has said there is a conspiracy to create a climate of fear as the country moves toward national elections.

She made the remarks while exchanging views with officials of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry after assuming office at the Secretariat on Sunday (December 14) morning.

Referring to recent violent incidents, Rizwana Hasan said such attacks are intended to undermine the election environment and weaken public confidence. However, she expressed optimism that people will respond to these conspiracies through democratic participation in the elections. She also emphasized that the government is prepared to identify and arrest all criminals involved.

When asked about allegations of lack of coordination within the government, particularly regarding Faisal Karim, who was earlier arrested in connection with the attack on Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Osman Hadi but later released on bail, the advisor rejected the claim. She said that if there had been serious coordination failures, crime rates would have increased further.

Speaking about media-related reforms, Rizwana Hasan said the Broadcasting Act is now in its final stage. She added that initiatives are underway to form an independent media commission, aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability in the media sector.

Expressing her vision for the media, the advisor said she wants to see a strong and responsible media, stressing that fragmented or misleading information is undesirable.

She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice in the Sagar-Runi murder case, noting that the investigation faces challenges due to the passage of time, including complications related to evidence, information, and leads.

END/SMA/AJ