Law minister addresses diplomats' concerns

Responding to the newly-enacted Digital Security Act which has drawn serious concerns of foreign diplomats over press freedom and the right to freedom of expression, the government yesterday assured that it has no plans to curb freedom of expression.

“The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has no intention to curb freedom of expression which lays foundation of its democratic governance and the law would rather ensure people's right to safe digital space,” Law Minister Anisul Huq said at a diplomatic briefing in the capital.

The minister referred to concerns raised by certain members of diplomatic corps and informed that the law has been finalised after intensive consultation with the Editors' Council and other journalist groups, as well as diplomats, said a foreign ministry press release.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and the law minister briefed the diplomatic corps at State Guest House Padma, on recent political developments in Bangladesh, particularly on the verdict in the case of the August 21 grenade attack and the Digital Security Act.

The foreign minister, referring to provisions of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and European Convention Human Rights, explained why such law is necessary to ensure public safety and order.

The law minister narrated the incidents of the grenade attack that took place on August 21, 2004 in a political rally organised by the then opposition party Awami League, where terrorists sponsored by the government of Khaleda Zia hurled grenades on Sheikh Hasina,  president of Awami League and erstwhile opposition leader. The attack killed 24 individuals including the leader of Awami Women's League and injured many.

Anisul Huq informed the diplomats how the then government interfered in the investigation and derailed the whole justice process.

He said the judgement has finally been announced after 14 years of arduous journey and the convicts have been awarded with punishment.

The law minister also said the attack was planned and executed under direct supervision of Tarique Rahman, the son of then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who now remains fugitive.

The law minister stated that the trial has gone through due process of law having heard 225 witnesses in total. The defense was allowed to exercise all rights guaranteed to them under the law, he added.

In the context of International Day against Death Penalty, the EU ambassadors raised their reservation on death penalty and asked whether Bangladesh has any plan to abolish or put moratorium on death penalty. 

In response, the foreign minister said Bangladesh is not abolishing death penalty considering public opinion and the country's socio-political reality.

The diplomats appreciated the briefing and expressed their eagerness to engage with the government in future, the press release added.