By Abdul Mussawer Safi 7 July 2023
The alarming trends of limiting civil rights and press freedom in Bangladesh from January 2020 to February 2022, reveal that the authorities arrested and prosecuted 2,244 individuals under the Digital Security Act (DSA) in 890 cases. The government of Bangladesh, under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina Wajid, has been accused of utilizing legislation such as the Digital Security Act and the Information and Communication Technology Act in a manner that is perceived as targeting journalists, educators, professors, and individuals expressing dissenting views that deviate from the prevailing societal narrative.
The report additionally examines the impact of this legislative misuse on Bangladesh’s judiciary, academic freedoms, and human rights. Moreover, the report underscores the declining condition of press freedom within the nation, as substantiated by legal proceedings and physical assaults targeting journalists. The report highlights the significance of safeguarding and advancing press freedom and civil liberties to enhance democracy and transparency in Bangladesh.
The erosion of democratic principles and human rights in Bangladesh is evident through the extensive political interference in the judiciary and the targeted repression of intellectuals, members of civil society, and opposition figures. The concerns surrounding press freedom and the treatment of journalists have been heightened due to the government’s focus on opposition leaders and the implementation of limitations on academic freedom. Rapid action battalion (RAB), a counter-terrorism force funded by the US and others, was established after 9/11. However, it has been accused of targeting opposition politicians and dissenting voices, violating human rights and democracy.
The instances mentioned earlier involving Shamsuzzan Shams, Matur Rahman, Sajjad Sharif, Mahinur Khan, J.M. Rauf, Zahurul Islam, Raghunath Kha, Abu Azad, Hazrat Ali, Zillur Rahman, Muhammad Faruk Hasan, Kabir Kishore, and Asad Noor, among other individuals, serve as illustrative examples of the continuous subjugation faced by journalists, thereby resulting in a deterrent impact on the freedom of the press.
The administration led by Sheikh Hasina Wajid in Bangladesh has faced criticism for its alleged targeting of opposition political parties and curbing dissenting opinions. This study examines the erosion of civil liberties, encompassing the targeted mistreatment of intellectuals, journalists, and opposition leaders, alongside the deterioration of press freedom within the nation. This report aims to shed light on the challenges faced by democracy in Bangladesh and emphasize the urgent necessity of addressing these concerns.
Limitations on Civil Liberties:
The 2018 Digital Security Act (DSA) was implemented to combat cybercrime but has been misused to target individuals who voice dissenting viewpoints. Accusations and arrests under the provisions of the DSA have been targeted explicitly toward individuals within the journalism, education, and academic sectors, among other professional domains. Furthermore, enacting the Information and Communication Technology Act in 2006 has raised apprehensions regarding its potential for abuse.
The persecution of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, exemplifies the government-initiated intimidation directed toward individuals expressing dissenting views. Harassment of intellectuals, civil society members, and opposition leaders further highlights the erosion of democratic values and human rights in Bangladesh.
Influence on the Judiciary:
The Bangladeshi judiciary has faced criticism for politically driven decisions that favor the government, raising doubts about the judicial system’s integrity and civil liberties. Targeting opposition leaders such as Khalida Zia, incarcerated, and Tariq Rahman, who lives in exile, underscores the government’s efforts to suppress dissenting voices. The consolidation of control over key institutions, including the electoral commission and the judiciary, raises concerns about the democratic process in Bangladesh.
Suppression of Academic Freedom:
Instances of curtailment of academic freedom in Bangladesh have been observed, evident in the case of Professor Imtiaz, who was prohibited from participating in academic endeavors due to the contentious nature of his book. This prohibition restricts the professor’s ability to engage in scholarly discussions on historically sensitive occurrences. This restriction raises concerns about preserving academic freedom and freedom of expression within academic institutions.
Press Freedom under Threat:
The treatment of journalists in Bangladesh is deeply concerning, with multiple cases highlighting the suppression of press freedom and its chilling effect on media freedom. The arrest of Shamsuzzan Shams, a prominent critic and correspondent under the Digital Security Act for reporting on the rising cost of living, sets a worrying precedent for journalists. The cases of Matur Rahman, Sajjad Sharif, and others associated with Prothom Alo being sued under the DSA further exemplify the challenges journalists face in the country. Physical attacks on journalists, such as Mahinur Khan, J.M. Rauf, Zahurul Islam, and others, create an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship. The economic compulsion faced by media outlets, with a handful of prominent people in business prioritizing good relations with the government, has led to government representatives exerting control over media content.
The curtailment of civil liberties and press freedom in Bangladesh poses a significant threat to democracy. The misuse of laws such as the Digital Security Act and the Information and Communication Technology Act has targeted individuals expressing dissenting opinions. The persecution of intellectuals, civil society members, and opposition leaders and the influence on the judiciary further undermines democratic values and human rights. The deterioration of press freedom, as evidenced by the treatment of journalists, is equally concerning.
To safeguard democracy, international organizations and the Bangladeshi government must protect press freedom, promote civil liberties, and foster an environment conducive to independent and critical reporting. Only then can Bangladesh progress towards a more open and transparent society where democratic values thrive, and the media plays a crucial role in upholding the nation’s progress.