ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organization working on freedom of expression and the right to information, has expressed deep concern over Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman being sued in a case filed under the Digital Security Act.
The rights body in a statement on Thursday said it believes that such incidents are increasing the ongoing tension not only among journalists and communicators but also among the general public.
Besides, this kind of behaviour is in conflict with citizens' constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Faruq Faisel, the regional director of ARTICLE 19 South Asia, said the filing of the case against Matiur Rahman under the DSA is an example of “weaponizing law to victimize journalists, communicators and editors.”
“It is a clear signal of threat and fear to the media actors of the country.”
"This continuation of legal harassment by abusing legal instruments must be stopped as this kind of action is hampering the image of Bangladesh globally as a democratic country,” he added.
ARTICLE 19 called on the government to drop the case against Matiur Rahman and urged it to take effective measures to prevent “vexatious cases, incidents of assault, torture and harassment against journalists.”
Matiur Rahman, the editor of Prothom Alo, one of the largest circulated newspapers in Bangladesh, was sued under the Digital Security Act early Thursday.
According to media reports, Ramna model police station Inspector Abu Ansar was given the responsibility of investigating the case.
Ramna police did not want to provide any information about the case, including the allegations raised.
Prothom Alo reporter Samsuzzaman Shams, an assistant cameraman and unnamed others were also accused in the case filed with Ramna police.
