Hurting people's religious sentiment is not freedom of speech
This refers to Mr. Neil Taylor's letter entitled 'Abusers of press freedom deserve punishment' in your April 19 issue.
The Daily Star was right in both counts in their editorials of April 5th and 13th. I too, wish to register my protest at Mr. Taylor's one-sided write up as the judge, jury and the executioner.
Free speech does not mean freedom to hurt the religious sentiment of people, and here, in this case, of over 150 million Muslims of Bangladesh alone (1.5 billion the world over). The unspeakable terms used by some bloggers against the Prophet and the Holy Book could come only from sick minds and from those who wanted to create chaos and religious hatred in a society otherwise known for its religious harmony.
It is good that the government could arrest four of these culprits so far and charges have been framed and bail denied - although by that time so much blood has been shed and property damaged. It is ridiculous to give even an inkling that newspapers are to be blamed for publishing such heinous activities of some bloggers as many people did not know of the bloggers' activities.
If newspapers like Amar Desh did not warn the public well in time, one would shudder to think what catastrophe could have happened if such abuse in the name of free speech would have carried on for some more time. My advice to Mr. Taylor, if I may, please try not to meddle in these affairs.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments