Bangladesh
Digital Security Act Human chain demands dismissal of case against journalist Adhora Yeasmean, action against fraud Pir
Dhaka, July 14: A human chain was held in protest against the Digital Security Act case filed by the Rajarbagh Pir Syndicate against RTV journalist Adhora Yeasmean. The human chain was held at the Sark Fountain premises in the capital's Kawran Bazaar on Friday. The human chain was organized under the banner of 'Ganamadhyamkarmi'.
Speaking as the chief guest at the human chain, Dhaka Journalist Union President Sohel Haider Chowdhury said, "There has been a lot of talk about the Digital Security Act, there have been many protests. There have been many arguments. A radish has been dangled in front of us by the government. What is the radish? The honorable minister said that it will be amended. On the day it was raised in Parliament, Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sahib lied in Parliament. When journalists were tortured, Law Minister announced that if there was a case against journalists anywhere, he would handle the case himself as a lawyer. Till date, I have not seen him handling a single case. "
He further said, "Five days ago today the Prime Minister said that the media of Bangladesh is enjoying maximum freedom, the Information Minister also said the same thing the next day. We certainly accept that. The media of Bangladesh is enjoying freedom in the sense that, not one or two, now there are close to 40 electronic channels. . In terms of numbers, newspapers or television have come to freedom, but in terms of quality of news, we are still in the policy of contraction."
The speakers in the human chain demanding repeal of the Digital Act said, "The government says that the Digital Act is not against journalists, but now it is seen that every day cases are being filed against journalists under the Digital Act. The legal case against Adhora Yeasmean must be withdrawn. Not only the case should be withdrawn, but action should be taken against the fraud."
The speakers also said, "The number of digital law cases against journalists will increase as the election nears. We want the cooperation of the administration, we are the supporting power of the administration. The ministers are saying that if you want to take a case against the journalists, you have to talk to the higher officials. But instead of doing that, the police file a case. They are playing with the journalists. You directly say that the journalists will not report against corruption."
