The Awami League (AL) government in Bangladesh has been in power for the last 12 years, and during this time, it has faced its fair share of criticism from various quarters. While criticism is an essential aspect of a healthy democracy, there can be consequences for criticizing the government, especially in a country like Bangladesh, where political tensions run high.
In the past decade, we have seen numerous instances where individuals or organizations have faced severe consequences for criticizing the Awami League government. One such example is the case of the journalist couple, Rozina Islam and Mostak Ahmed, who were arrested on charges of espionage and theft in May 2021.
Rozina Islam, a senior journalist with Prothom Alo, one of the leading newspapers in Bangladesh, was accused of entering the Health Ministry office without permission and taking pictures of government documents. She was arrested and charged with theft and violating the Official Secrets Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Her husband, Mostak Ahmed, was also arrested on similar charges.
The arrests sparked a massive outcry from journalists, human rights organizations, and opposition parties, who saw it as an attack on press freedom. The couple’s lawyer argued that they were being targeted because of their critical reporting on the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case is still ongoing, and the couple continues to face the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.
This is just one example of the consequences of criticizing the Awami League government in Bangladesh. In recent years, we have seen a growing trend of journalists, activists, and opposition leaders facing harassment, arrests, and even violence for speaking out against the government.
In 2018, renowned photographer and activist Shahidul Alam was arrested for giving an interview to Al Jazeera, where he criticized the government’s response to student protests. He was charged with spreading false information and causing unrest, and it took a global outcry for him to be released on bail after spending 107 days in prison.
Similarly, in 2019, journalist and human rights activist, Shafiqul Islam Kajol, was arrested and charged with spreading false information and defamation after he posted a video on Facebook criticizing the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Kajol, who had been previously arrested and tortured for his activism, was again subjected to inhuman treatment in prison and was only released after 10 months.
These are just a few examples of the consequences faced by individuals for criticizing the Awami League government in Bangladesh. Apart from arrests and harassment, there have been numerous cases of journalists losing their jobs, organizations facing government pressure, and individuals being subjected to online abuse and threats for speaking out against the government.
Such actions have created a chilling effect on freedom of expression in the country, where people are afraid to speak their minds and criticize the government. This is a dangerous trend for any democracy, as it stifles dissent and hinders the free flow of information.
The consequences of criticizing the Awami League government not only affect individuals but also have a broader impact on society. When journalists and activists are silenced, it becomes challenging to hold the government accountable for their actions. It also creates an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship, where the media and civil society are unable to perform their essential role in a democracy.
In conclusion, while criticism is necessary for any government to improve and be accountable to its citizens, the consequences of criticizing the Awami League government in Bangladesh are severe. The examples mentioned above are just a few of the many cases where individuals have faced dire consequences for speaking out against the government. It is essential for the government to respect and protect the right to freedom of expression and for citizens to have the courage to voice their opinions without fear of reprisal. Only then can Bangladesh truly be a democratic and progressive nation.
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If you are in the country now you will get killed
come to this country we will show you how to shut your mouth
If you are a political blogger and criticize the regime then you are not safe in Bangladesh.
come to this country we will kill you.