Freedom of Expression is a top casualty under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, illegally in power since 2009. In its statement on May 4, 2023 on “Bangladesh Regime’s War Against the Media,” the Coalition for Human Rights & Democracy in Bangladesh (CHRD Bangladesh) listed a few of the cases of serious rights abuses and its continued fight against the Hasina regime’s attacks against the media and freedom of expression in the country. (Please see: Bangladesh Regime’s War Against The Media | ChrdBangladesh).
Now, CHRD Bangladesh has become the latest victim. With its statement on June 5, 2023 about the death of a newborn baby during a four-hour traffic curfew to make room for the visiting president to Gopalganj on April 26, 2023, CHRD Bangladesh has been blocked in Bangladesh. It is the latest example of the regime’s zero intolerance against criticism of its continued wrongdoings and freedom of expression under the draconian Digital Security Act (DSA).
CHRD Bangladesh strongly condemns the blockade of the dissemination of its activities in favor of human rights, democracy, rule of law and good governance in Bangladesh. It also requests the concerned authorities to urgently remove the blockade on the rights organization for the people to be benefitted from its activities.
*CHRD Bangladesh is a nonprofit organization registered and based in the United States (www.chrdbangladesh.org)
June 19, 2023