Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee Member Barrister Moudud Ahmed said, if BNP returns to power, it will scrap Digital Security Act and Broadcast Bill within a week.
“These two laws have been enacted so that our newspapers and media can’t publish news independently. Their (journalists’) hand and legs have been tied and their voice gagged, while the freedom of speech is snatched” he said.
He was speaking at a human chain programme near to the Jatiya Press Club organised by Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal protesting the life term jail awarded to BNP leader Tarique Rahman in the 21 August grenade attack case.
On Monday, the Cabinet approved in principle the draft Broadcast Bill 2018.Under the bill, if anyone broadcasts false or confusing information in a discussion programme or anything against the spirit and principles of the Liberation War or against the state policy, he or she will face a maximum jail term of three years or to pay a fine of Tk five crore, or both. On October 8, President Abdul Hamid signed the Digital Security Bill.
Moudud said the entire nation is now united under the banner of Jatiya Oikya Front to breath in gentle breeze.
He said that the ruling party leaders’ unguarded comments against the Jatiya Oikya Front have demonstrated that BNP’s decision of forging the unity was right one.
He criticised the government for not according permission to Jatiya Oikya Front to hold its maiden rally in Sylhet on October 23. “A party (Jatiya Party) is holding a rally today (Saturday) with much enthusiasm without any obstruction. It fears people and doesn’t believe in the rule of law” he said.
Barrister Moudud said, government will be bound to hold a talk with the Oikya Front. The Jatiya Oikya Front will convince the government to form a polls time neutral government.
