Dissent never stifled in democracy

Dissent is never stifled in a democratic nation, said human rights activist Sultana Kamal yesterday at a two-day long dialogue with journalists and human rights defenders.

"In a democratic nation, restriction cannot be imposed on freedom of speech because one of the main principals of democracy is to let free thinking flourish," she said adding, "a society does not remain democratic if such restrictions are imposed."

Journalists from different print and media houses and human rights defenders participated in the dialogue, "Working together for Promotion and Protection of Human Rights", at Platinum Suites Hotel in the capital's Banani.

The restrictions journalists face both at individual and organisational levels in carrying out their duties were discussed in the dialogue along with the laws that limit the right to freedom of speech.