Writers, journalists and cultural personalities involved in fascism to be brought to book: Nahid

The instigators of the genocide committed during the student-led mass uprising, will be brought to book, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam said today (18 September). 

"Poets, writers, journalists and cultural personalities who were involved in fascism or instigated genocide must be brought to justice," he said in reply to a question at a press conference in the conference room of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Secretariat. 

Nahid, also posts and telecommunications and information technology adviser, further said those individuals who indirectly worked in favour of genocide by molding public opinion through various writings and comments and incited genocide would be deemed as "involved in fascism".

He said such individuals -- may be journalists, cultural figures and poets -- must be brought to justice and they will not be spared.

In response to another query regarding the murder case filed against journalists, Nahid said, "Cases are not being filed by the government rather people are doing this from their end."

He mentioned that many cases are being filed because of personal enmity. "That is why we have given instructions and assured that these cases will be reviewed at the earliest," he said.

Investigation will be carried out to find out the authenticity of the allegations against anyone, he said, adding that people will be acquitted from cases if complaints against them have no valid ground.

"On Tuesday, I had exchanged views with the leaders of the Jatiya Press Club and Secretariat Journalist Forum. I told them, if there is any false accusation against any journalist, then they can send the details of the person concerned to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. We will look into his matter," he said.