Khaleda accuses govt of muzzling freedom of expression

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has alleged that freedom of expression has been “muzzled” by the present government’s 'infringing attitude'.

She has also alleged that the government is controlling even the talk-shows in private television channels.

“We can’t talk freely. The government has closed that option. It’s now only infringing on rights. Elections are not held, they are captured,” she claimed, addressing a rally in front of her party office at Naya Paltan on Tuesday.

“There was a press club where elections used to be held regularly. They can’t win the elections, so they have captured the press club,” she said.

Referring to talk shows, she said, “Earlier there used to be debates in the talk shows... Earlier many things could be learnt and understood from these shows. But now they control these programmes,” she said.

“They decide who should be called to these shows. No one can speak against the government.... one is jailed for treason. That is the real scenario.”

To mark the second anniversary of the 10th Parliamentary elections, ruling Awami League held rallies at Bangabandhu Avenue and Dhanmondi to commemorate the day as ‘Democracy Protection Day'.

On the other hand, BNP organised the rally in front of its Naya Paltan headquarters, observing the day as “Murder of Democracy Day’.

Alleging that under the present government’s regime no one could speak out, the BNP chief said, “The voices of people can be throttled when there is no democracy.”

In her speech, Khaleda Zia demanded release of incarcerated journalists.

“Many journalists were killed. But no one has been brought to justice for these killings. Was anyone punished for the Sagar-Runi murder? Why is Shawkat Mahmud behind bars? He has been implicated in a false case. Mahmudur Rahman, too, has been jailed.”

In the course of her speech, Khaleda also demanded the release of Nagarik Oikyo Convenor Mahmudur Rahman Manna.