MAILBOX

Violation of Fundamental Rights

The article "Digital Repression in Digital Bangladesh" published in the Star Weekend on 16 July demonstrates that section 57 of the ICT Act has become a draconian law as it poses a big threat to freedom of expression. Earlier, several rights bodies and online activists termed the ICT (Amendment) Act, 2013 as a repressive law and expressed deep concerns over the amendment from the very beginning. These concerns of misuse of this act are fast becoming true with a rising number of cases filed under this section.

Article 39 of our constitution guarantees fundamental rights to citizens–freedom of thought, conscience, and of speech. Besides the Right to Information Act, 2009 has recognized the freedom of expression as an important fundamental right of citizens. In very similar terms, the right to freedom of expression is also guaranteed by both Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Article 19(2) of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Fundamental rights are being violated under the act because in this context, before writing anything on social media or in the mainstream media, a person remains in fear, hampering free thinking and expression of thought.

Given that free speech is the core of a progressive society as uncensored and free discussions eventually allow for the establishment of truth in a society. Citizens of a democratic country do not directly dictate or decide on laws and public policies but have a say by electing representatives. Through electronic, print media, and social media, citizens interface with their representatives. But in the name of cyber security, the Act is stifling the freedom of social media and mass media. 

Free speech needs to be protected by the state entity otherwise the nation-state will lose all credibility and we as a nation will be evolutionarily stunted. We urge that the government address the right to freedom of expression in the new Digital Security Act.

Md Khalid Hasan
Institute of Education and Research
University of Dhaka

Diary of Kalpana Chakma: Insight of a Fearless Woman

I was marveled by reading the thoughts of Kalpana Chakma in the article named "We will be soldiers in a battlefield" published in the Star Weekend on June 16. It showed the insight of a strong Jumma woman with progressive thoughts and willing to form a society free of oppression and gender discrimination. Her speeches and notes in her diary express herself quite well. The extract from her diary titled 'Do not keep me in the dark any more, let me see', beautifully explains that though men and women are different it does not make either sex worthy or unworthy. These notions of worthiness are social constructs.

It shows her feminist thoughts with a determination of freeing society from gender discrimination. It is very unfortunate for us as we could not ensure the safety of this fearless woman. 21 years have passed, but still nothing has been traced about her. But her letters, speeches and diaries will keep her alive for centuries. These will encourage women by giving them strength and courage.

Nafis Sadik
Farmgate, Dhaka

No longer a burden

For years, our society has considered physically and mentally challenged people as nothing but humps on their backs. They have cornered and alienated these people as if they were different from us. But times are changing. Thanks to the government and supporting NGOs which are bringing to the limelight these long-forgotten groups of people. 

I would like to show my gratitude towards The Daily Star for sharing the story of Humayun Kabir (a physically-challenged man) who made his life overcoming all these hurdles. His story was really encouraging. There are many such Humayuns in our society that we can feel proud of. However, there are also many of them who are equally competent but are still living in a dark world. If they are provided with the right opportunities, they can also contribute to the development of our country.

Aparajeeta Majumder
Dhanmondi, Dhaka