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.
Primary teachers in B’desh shut schools over demands
On Wednesday, a complete shutdown of all government primary schools across Bangladesh commenced, led by the ‘Primary Teachers’ Demand Implementation Council.’
This action followed a nationwide protest declaration made on Tuesday evening due to the lack of progress in fulfilling their three primary demands, despite previous assurances from the Finance Ministry under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
The council expressed disappointment over the lack of tangible results, prompting them to close schools and boycott examinations until the demands are met.
The three main demands include: upgrading the pay scale of assistant teachers to grade 10, addressing complexities surrounding higher grade benefits after 10 and 16 years of service, and ensuring complete departmental promotions from assistant teacher to head teacher.
Mohammad Shamsuddin, a prominent leader of the council, announced the continuation of the complete shutdown until their demands are implemented.
This strike followed a recent three-day work stoppage by primary school teachers, citing ongoing frustrations over pay grades and promotions.
Reports from S. Masud, the president of the Bangladesh Primary School Assistant Teachers’ Association, indicated a collective observance of the strike, pointing out the lack of visible progress from the interim government since November.
Additionally, Khayrun Nahar Lipi, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Primary Teachers’ Association, highlighted the dire circumstances facing teachers, referencing an incident where one colleague died and others were injured due to police action earlier this month.
As protests increase under the Yunus-led interim administration amid economic challenges, the teaching community remains united in their demand for action, refusing to return to classrooms or participate in examinations until their issues are addressed by the government. (IANS)
