The government will take legal action in line with a court directive if any media outlet broadcasts statements by ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, the prime minister’s information adviser Dr. Jahed Ur Rahman said. Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat on Tuesday, he urged media organisations to comply with the court order and said the government would take necessary steps if it was violated.

Rahman said the government had previously warned the media on the issue. He said announcing in advance that Hasina’s statements would be published or broadcast would amount to disobeying the court order. Compliance with court directives is a constitutional duty for individuals and institutions, he said, while ensuring implementation of court decisions is the government’s responsibility. He added that, personally, he would not favour blocking her statements without a court restriction.

On Hasina’s recent announcement about returning to the country, Rahman said the government wants to bring her back and has sought her extradition from India. He said she is currently a death-sentenced accused and would be arrested if she returned, while being guaranteed legal rights including self-defence and appointing a lawyer. The government would accept the court’s final verdict, he said.