Blogger killing: Freedom of expression at stake

Discussants at the BBC Sanglap have expressed their grave concern over killing of bloggers in the country. They said freedom of expression and opinion in the country has been at stake due to the killings of bloggers one after another recently. Expressing their respective observations at the 124th episode of the BBC Sanglap here, the discussants noted with concern that the law enforcers are failing to protect the bloggers and arrest the perpetrators of the spate of murders that have been taking place in the country for the last several years. Prime Minister’s media adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, BNP chairperson’s adviser Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, chairman of Dhaka University’s Criminology Department Prof Zia Rahman and executive director of Khan Foundation Rokhsana Khandkar attended the programme as panel discussants. Replying to a question whether Bangladesh has already become a dangerous country with respect to freedom of expression, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said, “Obviously, it’s a matter of concern how bloggers are being killed.” Chowdhury, also a senior journalist, mentioned that everyone has the right to freedom of speech and expression. People neither have the right to attack others belief or religion, nor they have the right to kill someone for hurting their belief and religion, he opined.
Expressing grave concern at the killings of bloggers, Professor Zia Rahman said that law enforcement agencies who are supposed to protect the citizens are failing to ensure security for bloggers and arrest their killers.
Rokhsana Khandkar said there is a perception among people that there is no space of freedom of expression. “If state does not take the responsibility it is very natural people will raise that question,” according to a news agency.
- mbz