Speakers at a discussion organized by PEN Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday stressed the need for stronger social and cultural resistance to hate speech, warning that it poses a growing threat to human rights, democracy, social harmony and peaceful coexistence.
The discussion, titled “Confronting Hate Speech: Challenges and Responses,” was held in Dhanmondi to mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, observed annually on June 18.
The United Nations established the day in 2021 to address the growing spread of hate speech online and offline and to promote human rights, tolerance and intercultural dialogue.
The speakers said the rapid expansion of digital technology and social media has increased opportunities for public expression while also creating new avenues for spreading hatred, intolerance and incitement to violence.
They noted that addressing hate speech is not solely a legal or technical challenge but also an ethical, cultural and political issue.
According to the speakers, hate speech is often encouraged by political, social and institutional actors, making public awareness and civic responsibility essential in efforts to counter it.
The discussion was moderated by writer and PEN Bangladesh executive member Muhammad Moheuddin.
Participants included Professor Ainun Nahar of the Department of Anthropology at Jahangirnagar University, Professor Rafiqul Islam of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at Dhaka University, Desh Rupantor Editor Mustafiz Shafi, and Assistant Professor Avanti Harun of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh.
Welcome remarks were delivered by PEN Bangladesh Vice-President and fiction writer Parvez Hossain and professor-poet Shamim Reza.
PEN Bangladesh President and Ulab Vice-Chancellor Professor Samsad Mortuza addressed the event through an online message.
The speakers said legal measures alone would not be sufficient to curb hate speech and called for broader social and cultural engagement.
They emphasized the importance of promoting compassion, reason and respect for diversity through education, literature, arts and culture.
They also highlighted the role of writers, artists, journalists and intellectuals in fostering an environment where differences in identity, belief and opinion are viewed as part of a diverse society rather than as sources of conflict.
The media, they said, has a responsibility to prevent the spread of rumours and disinformation, provide verified information and ensure that marginalized voices are represented in public discourse.
The speakers concluded that efforts to counter hate speech are ultimately linked to the protection of human dignity and social cohesion.
They said a society can be considered truly civilized when it guarantees the dignity, safety and equal rights of people regardless of their views, beliefs or ways of life.
