The interim government of Bangladesh must safeguard freedom of expression amidst alarming incidents of violence and harassment against individuals and human rights defenders. Recent weeks have seen numerous arrests and attacks, signalling a troubling pattern in a nation already grappling with a history of such violations. The government is obligated to protect all citizens from violence, whether inflicted by state or non-state actors, ensuring that the right to free expression is unfettered.
February witnessed a surge in assaults on journalists, highlighting the precarious state of media freedom. An alarming incident on the 3rd involved a journalist brutally attacked with hammers and knives for exposing medical negligence, leading to multiple injuries among reporters. Other events included attacks by masked assailants and police brutality against journalists covering protests, underscoring the dangers they face while fulfilling their roles.
Freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed, yet violations persist. Bangladesh’s obligations under international law, including the ICCPR, call for protection against harassment and violence. The government needs to investigate attacks, hold offenders accountable and foster an environment where journalists and activists can operate without fear.
Writers, poets, and human rights advocates have also been targeted, with a notable assault occurring at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. The attack stemmed from claims that a book stall featured works by Taslima Nasreen, prompting fears over censorship and religious sentiments. Arrests of individuals for alleged derogatory remarks about religion signal a growing trend of suppressing voices through legal intimidation.
International law necessitates any restriction on expression to be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. The current legal actions taken against those deemed to ‘hurt religious sentiment’ stand against these principles. UN guidelines suggest that free speech protection should extend to all forms of expression, including potentially offensive commentary on religion, aiming to prevent any limitation of critique or satire.
The Cyber Security Act (CSA) has been misused to silence dissent, raising concern over its enactment under the interim government. Although pledges to repeal the CSA were made, the proposed Cyber Protection Ordinance 2025 retains problematic provisions undermining free speech. Transparency and meaningful dialogue are paramount in revising such laws to align with international standards.
Despite the interim government’s challenges since the political transition, a robust commitment to human rights is essential. They must break away from Bangladesh’s legacy of repression by endorsing freedom of expression unequivocally. Journalists and citizens must be free to express their thoughts without retribution, fostering a climate of openness and accountability.
In light of these issues, we urge Bangladeshi authorities to ensure all legislative processes comply with international human rights laws, drop charges against individuals merely for exercising free expression, and protect media personnel from violence. An honest commitment to these principles is crucial for advancing a just society and guaranteeing the universal right to freedom of expression.
These calls to action are supported by numerous human rights organisations committed to upholding the foundational principle of free speech in Bangladesh.
Prominent human rights organisations urge the interim government of Bangladesh to uphold freedom of expression following a surge in violence against journalists and activists. Incidents of harassment highlight the grave risks for those exercising this fundamental right. Legislation, specifically the Cyber Security Act, requires urgent reform to align with international standards, and any attempts to restrict free speech must be reconsidered.
The article highlights the pressing need for the interim government of Bangladesh to uphold and protect freedom of expression amidst rising attacks on journalists and human rights defenders. It underscores the alarming trend of violence against individuals for exercising their rights and the failures of current legislation, particularly the Cyber Security Act, to align with international human rights standards. A robust commitment to reform and accountability is essential for fostering a secure environment for free speech.
Original Source: www.frontlinedefenders.org
