Dr Zahed’s briefing today: LPG prices, US nuclear deal, Salman Muqtadir’s studio, and more

In a Nutshell

• LPG supply and hoarding: Zahed said LPG stocks are adequate despite price increases in some areas and warned that hoarding could create an artificial shortage and public hardship. LPG operators had assured Energy Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku that supplies were sufficient.
• US nuclear cooperation: Bangladesh and the US signed a civil nuclear cooperation MoU on September 25, covering peaceful nuclear energy, technology exchange, nuclear safety, safeguards, and scientific cooperation, as Bangladesh moves into the operational phase of Rooppur.
• Information Commission to resume: Zahed said the Information Commission is expected to resume operations soon, giving citizens a mechanism to seek information when public bodies refuse access. He also linked wider access to official information with efforts to counter misinformation.
• Salman Muqtadir’s studio ransacked: Zahed was questioned about the ransacking of Salman Muqtadir’s studio after the content creator initially alleged an extortion dispute involving people affiliated with the BNP. He said subsequent information indicated that the incident was not an extortion case and that investigations were continuing.
• Law and order under scrutiny: Zahed acknowledged recent incidents involving vandalism, attacks and failures by law enforcement, but rejected the description of Bangladesh as being in a state of “anarchy”. He said the government inherited a weakened police force and that investigations would determine responsibility for individual failures.
• Misinformation and cyber law: Zahed said the government is working on amendments to the Cyber Security Act to address misinformation and online rumours. The proposed changes have raised concerns among journalists and other stakeholders regarding provisions on misinformation, defamation, content removal, and arrests.
• Other routine updates: Zahed also discussed fish fry releases and enforcement of fisheries laws, Bangladesh’s participation in the FAO’s One Health conference, efforts to speed up government project approvals and fund releases, environmental initiatives, and a question about an alleged visit to Bangladesh by Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.