Freedom of speech is established in the constitution of
Bangladesh. But what is the reality? I want share my
personal thoughts as a regular citizen of the country.
I do not feel there is freedom of speech in the country
irrespective of any political party in power. I am speaking
of print and digital media. Small fishes are left to float
freely but big ones always manage to skip the net. I feel
that media mostly carries a hidden agenda to write in favor
of the ruling power.
Social media specially facebook is very popular in
Bangladesh and it’s growing. On many occasions during some
controversial political situation, people specially younger
generation post their honest opinions, obviously the posts
are not in favor of the ruling government. Is there freedom
of speech truly exist? Then why I have posted and alerted
many of my young friends not to post such brutal truth on
Facebook. Though the right to freedom of speech is
established in
Bangladesh’s constitution
. Yet I feel an urge to protect the people I know, I care
about. The forced disappearances of people from all walks of
life in Bangladesh make me uncomfortable of posting anything
which may or may not be in favor of the people in power. It
is a debate if there is truly freedom speech exists in my
country or it is a myth written in the constitution like
many other issues.
http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2014/mar/05/rise-forced-disappearance
http://www.pmo.gov.bd/pmolib/constitution/part3.htm
Edited by Aimee Cash
