The
government has imposed restrictions on the
state-controlled media and asked it to "carefully
handle" news regarding the war in Iraq.
Quoting highly placed sources, The Daily
Star yesterday reported that the foreign
ministry has asked the state-owned television
and radio and the official news agency "not
to highlight statements in favour of Iraq
and demonstrations against the U.S".
They have also been advised to broadcast,
telecast or transmit pro-Iraq news items
"very mildly" and, if necessary,
discuss with higher authorities before delivery.
The restrictions came following repeated
requests from the U.S. embassy in Dhaka,
the sources said.
The U.S. Ambassador here, Mary Ann Peters,
met earlier this week M. Morshed Khan, Foreign
Minister, Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, Foreign
Secretary, and others concerned and "requested
them not to instigate public demonstrations
against the U.S."
