Strict action if protests continue after schedule announcement: Press Secretary

In the past 16 months, approximately 2,000 protest movements have taken place across the country, all of which were managed peacefully. 

The government has exercised considerable patience. However, strict measures will be taken against any attempts to take to the streets with demands after the election schedule has been announced, stated Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser.

He conveyed this position during a press conference held at the Foreign Service Academy following the Advisory Council meeting on Thursday.

Shafiqul Alam affirmed that the elections will be conducted peacefully and that the government will not introduce any new legislation related to the electoral process. 

The press secretary confirmed that the elections will take place under the current interim advisory council.

He informed that the government has decided to reduce the tax on dates by 15 percent in light of the upcoming month of Ramadan. Simultaneously, the tax previously imposed on the metro rail has been withdrawn.

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam announced that three ordinances, including the Commercial Court Ordinance and the Legal Aid Provision (Second Amendment) Ordinance, were approved during Thursday's cabinet meeting. 

Additionally, the government is contemplating the introduction of new legislation to curb online and artificial intelligence-based fraudulent activities.

During the meeting, it was decided to provide 20 lakh taka each to the families of the 36 individuals who lost their lives in the Milestone tragedy and 5 lakh taka to those injured. Furthermore, Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus has directed the formulation of a dedicated law to prevent visa fraud originating from various countries. 

Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam highlighted that the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Bangladesh has led to a surge in fraudulent activities, describing it as an overwhelming wave of fraud. 

Large-scale scams are damaging Bangladesh's international reputation. 

Organised fraud rings within the country are deceiving numerous individuals, including through visa-related fraud, causing Bangladeshi citizens to face harassment and complications with visa processes abroad. 

The Chief Adviser has issued explicit instructions today to draft a separate law to address and prevent such fraud.

The Press Secretary emphasised that this legislation will be prepared on an urgent basis, incorporating clear penalties for those engaging in online or AI-assisted fraud in Bangladesh, along with all necessary preventive measures.