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The government has asked the police to take out innocent people’s names from the cases that are being filed following the student-mass uprising.

‘Specific instructions have been given to the police to quickly investigate and exclude those who are being harassed as accused in the cases. Those against whom there is no evidence should be immediately excluded,’ chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam said at a press conference at the Foreign Service Academy.

He also said that if any victims came to file a case, the government could not ask them not to do so as filing cases is a citizen right.

‘We have said that cases should not be filed indiscriminately. But anyone  can file a case. If there is no information or evidence against any of the accused, the government is repeatedly saying that they should be excluded,’ said chief adviser’s deputy press secretary Apurba Jahangir.

Responding to a question, press secretary Shafiqul Alam said that the government was trying its best to check the price hike of essential commodities.

‘We continue our efforts to reduce the prices of the daily essentials,’ he said, adding that the egg price had been reduced due to the government’s efforts, while the prices of other essential goods were also showing a downward trend.

He said that several media outlets reported on Monday that the prices of potatoes had climbed to Tk 400 meaning that normal potato price was Tk 400 was an isolated scenario and misleading report.

Replying to a question, he said that the government was much aware of the rights of the minorities, while it ensured full-proof security for the minorities during the recently concluded Durga Puja.

Citing a report of police on law and order situation, he said that fewer incidents of crimes were reported in the country in the recent months than the past year.

Speaking about the ongoing crisis at seven colleges affiliated to Dhaka University, Alam said that the government was holding series of talks with all concerned. All problems could not be resolved overnight, he added.

Urging the students of the seven colleges to remain calm, he said that the government hoped to resolve the situation soon.

Responding to another question over formation of the Media Reform Commission, the press secretary said that a broad-based panel was selected for the commission with members having solid background.

‘We hope that altogether they will be able to submit a good report,’ he added.

Responding to another question, he mentioned that professor Yunus did not say anything that the term of the regular government would be four years.

‘He [Yunus] said that there is a proposal to reduce the term of the government to four years in the amended constitution. He was then asked whether or not the term of the interim government will also be four years,’ the press secretary said.

Apurba said in response to the BNP secretary general’s criticism regarding the lack of election roadmap in the chief adviser’s Sunday address to the nation, ‘The Election Commission that has been formed is part of the roadmap.’