The recent complaints filed against various public figures, including journalists, artists, and media personalities, for their remarks regarding the July Revolution has ignited a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, conversation about the boundaries of expression.
That the complaint has been lodged with Shahbagh Police Station, and that police sources said that the posts, videos, links, and statements in the complaint are being investigated, present a worrying picture.
While the sentiments expressed by these individuals, if indeed meant to trivialize the sacrifices of the martyrs or disparage the injured, are certainly insensitive and morally reprehensible, we must exercise extreme caution in how we respond as a society.
While anger is oftentimes a natural and justified reaction, allowing anger to transition into state prosecution sets a very dangerous precedent.
We speak of being a nation that practices democratic ideals. Yet, any mature democracy is defined not by its ability to silence those with whom we vehemently disagree, but by its capacity to endure their existence.
When we attempt to use the law as a tool to police political opinion or punish "disrespectful" rhetoric, we inadvertently erode the very freedom of speech that we at least aspire towards, and that ought to be a core tenet of the struggle for a better Bangladesh.
While we expect generosity and restraint from all citizens, we must also ensure that our commitment to the values of the July movement includes protecting the right of others to have incorrect or problematic opinions that they can freely share.
We cannot establish that expressing a "wrong" or distasteful opinion is a criminal offense. Doing so creates a climate of self-censorship that benefits no one, and is one we wish to move on from. Bangladesh intends to turn a corner when it comes to free speech, and we cannot do that if we keep criminalizing opinions.