Media and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam clarified that the government did not shut down Deepto TV’s news operations. According to a statement from the Ministry of Information, the decision to suspend news broadcasts was made internally by the channel’s management. Deepto TV had earlier announced a temporary suspension of all news broadcasts citing “unavoidable reasons.”

In the interest of national security, the Indian government has directed media outlets to avoid real-time coverage or broadcasting of defense and security operations. They warned that live reporting could jeopardize ongoing missions by alerting targets. Media outlets and social media users have been instructed to strictly adhere to existing regulations when reporting defense-related news.

Pakistan’s ARY News has suggested that the recent attack on tourists in Indian-occupied Pahalgam, Kashmir, might have been orchestrated to serve the Modi government’s political agenda. The outlet claimed that such attacks are often used to deflect attention from domestic failures and incite anti-Pakistan sentiment. ARY also reported that pro-government social media accounts quickly began spreading unverified claims targeting Pakistan.

Aminul Islam has resigned from his position as advisor to the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) administrator following intense public backlash. His appointment stirred widespread criticism, particularly on social media, due to questions surrounding his citizenship status and past appeals for the role. A 2022 Home Ministry order showing his renunciation of Bangladeshi citizenship for Estonian nationality went viral, fueling further controversy. Although officials denied any political influence in his appointment, the pressure mounted rapidly. DNCC had earlier clarified that the position was unpaid and made under the administrator’s legal authority. Facing growing disapproval and online uproar, Dr. Aminul stepped down, bringing the short-lived appointment to an end.

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced the formation of a taskforce to improve the quality of newspapers. The taskforce will focus on verifying actual circulation figures, implementing the wage board, and setting fair ad rates. He stressed that newspapers following government guidelines will be eligible for state advertisements and benefits. The adviser emphasized the need for transparency at all stages of newspaper publication and hinted at tighter scrutiny on tax compliance.

In response to a headline by Prothom Alo questioning his “lavish lifestyle,” politician Hasnat Abdullah denied all allegations and challenged anyone to prove he accepted a single taka unlawfully. He claimed the report was retaliation for his social media post criticizing India’s RAW agency. “They want to silence me with misinformation, but our fight against Indian imperialism and its local allies will continue,” he stated. He also accused the media of targeting honest and patriotic politicians.

Journalist Zulkarneyn Sayer has called on the government’s Press Wing to compile a comprehensive list of individuals killed in India over the past year by “cow vigilantes” and members of the BJP-RSS factions. In a Facebook post, Sayer urged the authorities to include victims’ names, religious affiliations—particularly Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians—the cause of their deaths, dates, locations, and those responsible. He also suggested that the list be published through the Office of the Chief Adviser or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a formal statement of condemnation. He noted that experienced journalists in the Press Wing are well-equipped to carry out this task.

In an interview with TRT World, Advisor Mahfuz Alam stated that the interim government is actively working toward Bangladesh’s democratic transition. The administration is focused on repairing institutions destabilized during the Hasina regime and ensuring justice for enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Institutional reform, accountability, and fair elections remain the top priorities.

The Department of Prisons has denied recent rumors of an attack in the VIP zone of Keraniganj Jail, calling reports by YouTube channel ‘Taufiq Maruf Journal’ misleading and baseless. “No such incident has occurred in Keraniganj or any other jail in the country,” said an official statement. Authorities assured that the safety of all inmates, including VIP prisoners, is strictly maintained.

Sharmin Sheila, known on social media as “Cream Apa,” was arrested on Thursday for allegedly abusing her child to generate online views and income. The case was filed following public outrage over her treatment of the child in videos aimed at earning money through social media platforms.

A case has been filed against Sharmine Sheila, also known as Cream Upper, at Ashulia Police Station. The Sadar Upazila Women’s Affairs Officer accused her of subjecting her two-year-old child to cruel treatment for online income. The charges include forcing the child to perform actions against her will, such as forcing her to eat cake-like items, applying makeup, and enduring physical punishment while being filmed. Police have stated that legal actions are underway.

Indian outlets Times of India and Hindustan Times criticized Bangladesh PM’s Press Secretary for suggesting Modi was respectful towards Dr. Muhammad Yunus during a recent bilateral meeting. They termed the remarks politically motivated and harmful to diplomatic relations. They added that PM Modi emphasized bilateral progress and elections, denying any discussion about returning Sheikh Hasina or allegations of minority persecution in Bangladesh.

In a recent post, Press Secretary Shafiqur Alam asserted that Islamic extremism has never seen a significant rise in Bangladesh — and there is no indication that it will in the future.

He criticized some Western journalists for drawing unfounded parallels between Bangladesh and conflict-ridden nations like Afghanistan, Pakistan, or Syria due to a lack of nuanced understanding of Bangladeshi society.

Highlighting key incidents — such as the 1994 exile of Taslima Nasrin, the 2004 attack on author Humayun Azad, the 2005 nationwide bombings, and the rise of Bangla Bhai — he emphasized that despite these, no widespread resurgence of Islamist extremism has taken place.

Between 2013 and 2016, Bangladesh faced a spate of targeted attacks on atheist bloggers, secular and LGBTQ activists, and even foreign nationals — nearly 20 lives were lost. Yet, society at large remained largely resilient and unchanged.

Alam, who admits to once falling into the same narrative trap, stressed that the social and familial diversity of Bangladesh serves as a strong defense against extremism. “This diversity,” he said, “will keep Bangladesh from straying down the wrong path.”

The New York Times has reported signs of growing religious extremism following Sheikh Hasina's removal from power. The article cites incidents of gender-based restrictions, vigilante justice, and the resurgence of banned Islamist groups. It also highlights debates over removing secularism from the constitution. However, the Bangladesh government has dismissed the report as misleading and one-sided, asserting that democratic values and cultural diversity will be preserved.

Fayez Ahmed, Senior Assistant Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, has declared that all domestic and international conspiracies against Bangladesh have failed. He stated that the government has been subjected to a wave of misinformation from various media outlets, particularly from Indian sources, aimed at undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and religious harmony. "Alhamdulillah, we have successfully countered these false narratives," he said. Ahmed dismissed Indian media reports as propaganda, emphasizing that local journalists have played a crucial role in defending Bangladesh's sovereignty by practicing responsible journalism.