Only bail not enough, case against Rozina must be withdrawn: GM Quader
Jatiya Party chairman and deputy leader of the opposition GM Quader today said only granting bail is not enough, the case against Prothom Alo Senior Journalist Rozina Islam must be withdrawn.
The JP chief also said it has become urgent to formulate a law to protect journalists.
In a statement he said the Official Secrets Act is against the constitution, democracy and Right to Information Act. This law which was enacted to keep the British Empire afloat is now unnecessary. Therefore, the case filed under the Official Secrets Act, cannot be used to prosecute any journalist.
GM Quader said the British government enacted the Official Secrets Act around a hundred years ago to prevent military coups and state conspiracies. This law was designed to take action against army members and government officials. This law has been used to maintain the rule of the British Empire, which is now unnecessary.
"Therefore, the case against journalists under the Official Secrets Act is unprecedented. The Official Secrets Act, created by the British is now an expired black law in an independent and democratic state. In the subcontinent, there is no precedent of punishment against journalists under this law," he added.
The JP chief said according to the constitution, all agreements with foreign countries must be placed in parliament. Moreover, the purchase of vaccines can never be a state privacy.
The Official Secrets Act cannot be applied against Rozina Islam. Moreover, people have the right to know information regarding purchase of vaccine with public money. That is why information collection can never be considered as theft.
"Therefore, the case filed against Rozina Islam will have to be withdrawn," added GM Quader.
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