Those who spread confusion and misinformation do not like that the country is prospering, according to Information & Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud.
He made the remarks during an exchange of views with journalists on contemporary issues at his Dewanji Pukur Par residence in Chattogram city on Friday afternoon.
Hasan, also the Joint General Secretary of the Awami League, said that as the country continues to progress and reduce poverty, the prosperity and wealth of every citizen also increases.
He alleged some newspapers intentionally publish negative news: “However, many individuals do not like the economic prosperity of Bangladesh under the leadership of Hasina. Therefore, some newspapers intentionally publish negative reports, while identified foreign individuals spread misinformation against Bangladesh."
Despite these efforts, Bangladesh remains unyielding, he said.
Hasan also criticized the 12 countries, including USA that issued a statement on the arrest of Daily Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman, stating that it was tantamount to interference in the country's internal affairs.
He highlighted the contrast between the response to the incident in Bangladesh and the lack of concern expressed by different countries when the BBC's office was searched in India.
He reminded diplomats of the Vienna Convention that sets the rules and limits on their conduct while stationed abroad and asserted that the government would continue to ensure freedom of the media.
He minister also criticised the opposition party for visiting foreign diplomats to request help in restoring democracy in the country instead of engaging with the people.
He stated that it was "anti-national and involved a conspiracy against the country" to meddle in internal affairs.
Hasan referred to a recent report by Bloomberg, a renowned US media organisation, that praised the economic prosperity achieved under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina and the ability to maintain economic stability even during the Covid-19 pandemic and global recession.
According to the report, there is a possibility of Sheikh Hasina winning the next election and serving a fourth term as prime minister.
Hasan also shared statistics demonstrating Bangladesh's economic growth and stability under the current government.
He stated that the number of people living below the poverty line reduced from 41 per cent in 2009 to 20 per cent a few days ago, and now stands at 16 per cent despite the Covid-19 pandemic and global recession.
Additionally, Bangladesh's per capita income has surpassed that of India during this pandemic, and the country has risen from the 60th to the 35th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP, he added.
The Acting President of Chittagong Metropolitan AL, Mahatab Uddin Chowdhury, former Mayor AJM Nashir Uddin, North District President MA Salam, South District Acting President Motaherul Islam, and other party leaders were present at the event.
