Dhaka, April 2 -- No political and religious extremism will be allowed in Bangladesh and the government will opt for hardline measures if necessary, says Information Advisor Mahfuj Alam.

In reaction to a recent article published in The New York Times, Mahfuj said: "The article wants to say that the country has created an opportunity for extremism or radicalism to thrive after Sheikh Hasina left. We believe no one will be allowed to use such an opportunity."

Rather, the government will play a strong role in upholding democracy and running the country democratically, he said. "We will try to ensure that no extremism or radicalism emerges in Bangladesh. We want to play a role in the country's transformation to a democratic one through elec...