freedom of speech
A victory for free expression
The Daily Star endorses the interim government's decision to repeal the draconian Cyber Security Act.
Yunus reaffirms commitment to human rights, freedom of speech
In meeting with Bangladesh CA in NY, human rights orgs urge reforms in security sector, repeal of CSA
To protect free speech, get rid of oppressive laws like the CSA
Bangladesh must repeal the CSA to safeguard the rights of its citizens.
When rule of (no) law reigns supreme
A narrative from both the government and some mass media outlets promotes a version of events that is far detached from the reality experienced
You Saved Julian Assange
Let us take a lesson from the courageous men and women who took to the streets for 14 years to save Julian.
Column by Mahfuz Anam: What constitutes hurting religious sentiments?
The issue of religious tolerance have become a matter of great concern as we see a global rise in narrow-mindedness, prejudice and hatred.
Silencing the critic: The cost of stifling voices in the name of authority
Would we, in today's Bangladesh, have subjected Quamrul Hassan to imprisonment for employing his art to critique the current political culture?
Voices in captivity
To justify the restrictions, governments run a fear factory.
Are we listening to the young voices?
Lack of interest among young voters serves as a wake-up call
How can breaching citizens’ privacy be lawful?
We should be concerned about the deployment of surveillance tech without any judicial oversight
Can we justify censorship in culture?
The panel spoke broadly about censorship, #MeToo movement, mob mentality, cancel culture, JK Rowling, and social media echo chambers.
A slap on the face of our democracy
The political culture that has been bred in the country by the ruling party is one of impunity, where party members are, directly or indirectly, encouraged to violently suppress dissenting voices. The slapping of Inamul Haque is merely a result of that attitude.
Elon Musk's Not-so-Hidden Agenda
Why would the world’s richest man want to undermine the legitimacy of democracy itself?
ULAB Literary Salon to discuss freedom of speech today
Writers of both fiction and non-fiction have come under increasing pressure and censorship across South Asia. To discuss these issues, the fifth ULAB Lit Salon brings together a diverse group of experts drawn from policy and its practice, publishing, and media.
When the state defeats its people
The draconian Digital Security Act (DSA) strikes again, and most worryingly, in collusion with communal bigotry.
Bangladesh Press Council: Is the protector turning into a ‘predator’?
What is of serious concern for us is the secrecy with which the Press Council has dealt with the matter.
World Press Freedom Day: Speak now or forever hold your tongue
Essentially, if someone expresses a critical view of the achievement of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, or the country’s relationship with another nation in a Facebook status, or even in a private message between friends on WhatsApp, that individual could be subjected to criminal punishment under the DSA, intrusive surveillance under the data protection law, or censorship under the digital, social media and OTT platform regulations.
Ramadan Maghfirat: How I channelled my rage into inspiration for Sehri Tales
I channelled my hurt, anger and frustration into poetry and flash fiction that had nothing to do with my agitator and her cronies.
Draft OTT regulations: They'll be threat to free speech, says speakers at webinar
The government’s draft regulation for digital, social media and OTT platforms will be a threat to freedom of speech and people’s basic rights, experts said yesterday.