Concerns Over Defamation Laws in Bangladesh Targeting Satire and Social Media

Dhaka, December 3 (IANS) – The Nagorik Coalition, a prominent civil society platform in Bangladesh, has raised alarms regarding the perceived misuse of defamation and harassment laws against satire pages and social media creators. Recent reports highlight escalating tensions surrounding freedom of expression in the country.

Allegations Against Satirical Platforms

In a statement released by the coalition, concerns were voiced over multiple cases filed by Abu Shadik Kayem, the Vice President of the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU), specifically targeting Earki, a political satire outlet, as well as various meme platforms and individual content creators.

The coalition criticized Kayem’s actions as "ill-considered, intolerant, and immature," suggesting that such measures tarnish the credibility of both the student body and the esteemed reputation of Dhaka University, as noted by the leading newspaper, The Daily Star.

A Stance on Freedom of Expression

The coalition articulated that the lawsuits represent a direct affront to freedom of expression and contravene the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of Bangladesh. It emphasized that in a democratic society, satire, cartoons, and criticism should not be treated as criminal acts unless they incite violence.

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

Implications for Democracy and Judicial Burden

The Nagorik Coalition warned that the misuse of defamation laws compromises accountability, stunts democratic discourse, and imposes an undue burden on the judiciary. They urged the withdrawal of what they labeled "harassing or excessively reactionary" cases against content creators, students, and critics, calling for the government to implement legal protections that foster a climate of free expression.

Call for Government Action

The coalition has also appealed to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus to take a definitive stance on safeguarding free speech. This includes promoting open dialogue, civil remedies, and upholding constitutional commitments to justice and human rights.

In a related context, a group of 88 expatriate journalists, writers, and cultural activists previously voiced their distress over the ongoing suppression of free speech in Bangladesh. In a joint statement earlier this year, they described the treatment of journalists as "unspeakable torture" and expressed feelings of frustration and disheartenment regarding the current climate of censorship.

Conclusion

The situation in Bangladesh raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding the foundational right to express dissent and critique. As the discourse continues, the call for legal reforms and government accountability remains more pressing than ever in ensuring a free and open society.

For more information on international standards of free expression and ongoing discussions around media freedoms, visit Article 19 and Open Society Foundations.