Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman today called for a social boycott of those who practice intellectual fascism.

"We can't do anything except socially condemn and boycott those media outlets that support, promote or practice fascism intellectually," he said.

The minister made the remarks while responding to a question at a weekly press briefing on the progress of various government activities at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) in the Bangladesh Secretariat here.

At the beginning of the event, Andaleeve unveiled the cover of a book titled "I Have a Plan: Six Months of the Democratic Journey," published by the PID, highlighting the government's special achievements over the past six months.

Coming down heavily on intellectual fascism, the minister said, "If anyone supports or promotes fascism through intellectual thinking and consciousness, we have nothing to do but socially condemn such a practice.

"Those who do not believe in the spirit of a free Bangladesh and a newly independent Bangladesh deserve to be socially boycotted, which is the greatest form of justice for them."

Responding to another question regarding the press freedom, he said believing in democracy is a matter of mindset.

"The mindset we witnessed over the past 17 years was one of taking a position against criticism. But neither the present government nor the Prime Minister has any intention of restricting media freedom or controlling the media," Andaleeve added.

Describing the institutional pictures under the previous regime, he further said, "Over the past 17 years, all systems in the country were corrupt. After taking responsibility following such a fragile situation, the government is going through one of the most difficult periods in the country's history.

"In this situation, we expect objective criticism from you so that we can correct our mistakes and move forward on the right path."

Responding to a journalist's question about ousted Sheikh Hasina, the minister said, "She is currently staying in India. According to reports in the Indian media, efforts are underway to resolve the matter through the court or judicial process."

However, he said, the Bangladesh government's clear demand is that all those with cases against them for past crimes, including the July uprising, will be brought back for the sake of proper justice.

Asked about stopping the practice of false circulation figures by newspapers, the minister said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has begun vigorous efforts to stop the dishonest practice of printing a small number of copies while showing circulation figures of more than one lakh.

About press freedom, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury said, "I told earlier that everyone has the freedom to speak against the government. Whether it is against or in favor of the government, presenting the voice of the people is democracy."

Instructions have now been given to BTV and government media to broadcast news of opposition parties proportionately, he added.

The state minister further said an application has been submitted to the Ministry of Finance to double the trust fund grant for the welfare of journalists. One crore taka has already been transferred for sick and insolvent journalists, he added.

Secretary of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry Mahbuba Farjana and Principal Information Officer (PIO) Syed Abdal Ahmed were present at the briefing.