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Bangladesh Free Speech Alarm: How Defamation Cases Target Satire and Critics

A major civil society platform in Bangladesh is sounding the alarm over defamation cases. They say these legal actions are being misused to target political satire and online creators. The group argues this is a direct attack on constitutional rights and democratic principles. They are calling for the cases to be dropped and for stronger protections for free expression.

Key Points: Nagorik Coalition Slams Defamation Case Misuse in Bangladesh

  • Civil society condemns cases filed by a Dhaka University student leader against satire outlets
  • The coalition calls the legal actions ill-considered and damaging to the university's reputation
  • It argues satire and criticism are not criminal acts unless they incite violence
  • The group demands case withdrawal and legal safeguards for content creators
2 min read

Bangladesh: Civil society group raises alarm over 'misuse' of defamation cases

Civil society group Nagorik Coalition warns of defamation law misuse against satire pages and creators, calling it an attack on free expression in Bangladesh.

"These cases amount to a direct attack on freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. - Nagorik Coalition"

Dhaka, Dec 3

Bangladesh’s civil society platform, Nagorik Coalition, has expressed serious concern over the alleged misuse of defamation and harassment cases targeting satire pages and social media creators in the country, local media reported.

In a statement, the coalition noted that police had recently accepted multiple cases filed by Abu Shadik Kayem, the Vice President of the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU), targeting Earki, a political satire outlet, along with meme platforms, cartoonists, and individual content creators.

Slamming the DUCSU Vice President, the coalition described the move as "ill-considered, intolerant and immature," noting that it damaged both the student body and the wider reputation of Dhaka University, Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star reported.

"These cases amount to a direct attack on freedom of expression and violate fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution," the coalition said.

It stressed that no democratic society can treat satire, cartoons, criticism, and opinion as criminal acts unless they incite violence.

“Using the law to instill fear or suppress dissent undermines civic dignity and democratic principles,” the statement added.

The coalition argued that freedom of expression and the right to criticise are cornerstones of any free society. It warned that misuse of defamation laws undermines accountability, diminishes democratic discourse, and places an undue burden on the judiciary.

The coalition demanded immediate withdrawal of what it termed "harassing or excessively reactionary" cases, and called on the authorities in Bangladesh to guarantee legal safeguards for content creators, students, and critics.

It also called on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government to adopt a clear position on protecting free expression, promoting dialogue and civil remedies, and reinforcing constitutional commitments to justice, transparency, and human rights.

Earlier in July, a group of 88 expatriate journalists, writers, researchers, cultural and rights activists raised grave concern over the "continued torture of journalists and suppression of free speech" in Bangladesh under the Yunus-led interim government.

In a joint statement, the group alleged that since August 5, journalists in the country have been subjected to unspeakable torture, adding that such incidents have "frustrated and disheartened" them.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Satire and cartoons are essential for a healthy society. They hold a mirror to power. If a student leader can't handle a meme, how will he handle real responsibility? The coalition is absolutely right to call this immature. Hope the interim government listens.
R
Rohit P
While freedom of speech is crucial, it must come with responsibility. Sometimes satire crosses the line into personal attack. The legal process should determine if that happened here. We shouldn't jump to conclusions without seeing the specific content that led to the cases.
S
Sarah B
As a neighbor, India has a stake in a stable and democratic Bangladesh. Suppressing dissent and free press creates instability. The mention of Dr. Yunus is interesting—a Nobel laureate's government should know better than to allow such crackdowns. Hope they course-correct.
K
Karthik V
Very concerning. In our own country, we've debated laws like IT Rules that can be misused. This is exactly why strong safeguards are needed. The judiciary must act as a check. Burdening courts with frivolous cases is a waste of public resources and an injustice.
N
Nisha Z
Dhaka University is such a prestigious institution. It's sad to see its student union involved in this. Student politics should be about advocating for rights, not suppressing them. This action truly damages their reputation, as the coalition said.

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