Dhaka: Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated today that the government is fully committed to upholding freedom of expression and writing, dismissing any notion of censorship on book publishing. “There is no question of censorship on the publishing of books as the government is fully committed to freedom of expression and writing,” Farooki declared, as reported in a PID press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this statement comes in response to recent news reports citing a police officer’s suggestion that police or Bangla Academy might review book manuscripts before publication. Farooki clarified the government’s position, emphasizing that there is no intention to have manuscripts examined by police or any other entity prior to publishing.
Farooki further mentioned that an explanation has been requested from the police officer whose comments were reported in various newspapers. He reiterated that the interim government is guided by the spirit of July, with a key principle being the freedom of expression.