14 March 2020, Sat, 11:27

Case filed against Manab Zamin editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury; Secretary General protests

Demands release of Sangram editor Abul Asad immediately

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Secretary General and former Member of Parliament Professor Mia Golam Porwar has issued the following statement on 14 March 2020 protesting and condemning the latest incident as new case has been filed against Daily Manab Zamin’s editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury and 32 others in connection with Digital Security Act.

“The latest lodging of case against Daily Manab Zamin’s editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury in line with Digital Security Act is nothing but a misuse of law. This case has been lodged to subdue press freedom and freedom of speeches. Severe controversies had been originated since the enactment of the Digital Security Act. Many people assumed initially that this law would be used to control the access of the mass media and journalists.

Earlier, many journalists and pressmen had been oppressed for their exercise of free thoughts. The authority also shut down various media including Daily Amar Desh, Diganta TV, Islamic TV, Channel One and other dailies. Offices of the Daily Sangram has been vandalized recently. Veteran editor of Daily Sangram Abul Asad also has been detained and still being kept behind the bar. People have no scope to exercise their freedom anymore. The consequence of subduing press freedom will not be better for any sections.

I am urging the concerned authorities to withdraw the false case filed against Daily Manab Zamin’s editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury and 32 others and also to release editor of Daily Sangram Abul Asad immediately.”