Stop 'disciplining' media: TIB

In a statement sent to the media on Thursday (March 30), TIB demanded the unconditional release of journalist Shamsuzzaman and the immediate repeal of the Digital Security Act out of respect for the democratic system. 

The organization feels that this incident has violated the constitutional right to security of life of a journalist, a citizen of the country. It has also set a terrible example of controlling and disciplining the media when necessary.

Journalist Shamsuzzaman was brought to court 30 hours after he was apparently illegally picked up, and TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, "Shams' constitutional rights as a journalist and as a citizen have been severely violated. Because under the existing law, if a person is lawfully detained, there is an obligation to present them in court within 24 hours of detention, the law enforcement agencies have clearly failed to do so. Even, the case in which he was taken to court after showing detention, was filed more than 20 hours after the withdrawal. '

If there is any mistake or inconsistency in any report published in the media, someone can be offended and there is a press council law in the country to resolve it and there is an opportunity to take action according to the existing law. The non-bailable clause in the Security Act makes clear the government's intention to control the media and punish critical or dissenting voices, which is tantamount to stifling media freedom. '

'According to the published news, it is known that in the case in which Shams has been arrested, a complaint has been filed against the editor of the relevant newspaper, the associate cameraman and the unknown accused. The case has been filed under Sections 25(2), 31 and 35 of the Digital Security Act, of which Section 31 is non-bailable. TIB's executive director said that through the arbitrary use of these clauses, dissenters from different professions, especially journalists, are being used as a tool to suppress their voices. In the last two days, two more journalists have been booked under the Digital Security Act. The TIB has always raised concerns and objections about various sections of the Act since the time of its formulation. Even the law minister hinted at amending the law in view of the misuse of the law. Still, journalists and dissidents are being persecuted and tortured through this law. Being prosecuted under the non-bailable section, even if the offense is not proved, the opportunity to “discipline” the accused has been created and is being done. '

Referring to the World Free Media Index-2022. Zaman said, 'Bangladesh's position among 180 countries in the world is 162, which is lower than Afghanistan (156) controlled by the Taliban. This position is a reflection of restrictive digital security laws and their arbitrary abuse by the ruling party. Therefore, TIB is demanding the immediate release of Shams and the withdrawal of the case, as well as the cancellation of the repressive digital security law that stifles the voice of the media and dissenters. '