Bangladeshi journalist arrested under controversial media law for criticizing rising food prices

Introduction

Bangladesh has seen a rise in arrests of journalists under the Digital Security Act (DSA) since its implementation in 2018. The latest arrest is that of journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams of Prothom Alo. Shams was arrested under the DSA for publishing a story criticizing rising food prices in Bangladesh.

Background

The Digital Security Act allows for jail sentences of up to 14 years and has been criticized as flawed and draconian. According to the Center for Governance Studies, over 138 cases were filed against journalists under the DSA between January 2019 and August 2022. Human rights groups have criticized Bangladesh for its press freedom record, with numerous instances of attacks, harassment, and intimidation of journalists by state officials and affiliates of the government.

Arrest of Journalist Shamsuzzaman Shams

Shamsuzzaman Shams, a journalist from Prothom Alo, was arrested under charges of producing “false news” after an article on high food prices went viral. The article included quotes from ordinary people about their lives on Bangladesh’s independence day and highlighted the soaring cost of food due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the fall of Bangladesh’s currency. The case was filed by a man who reportedly belongs to the youth wing of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s governing party.

Government Response

The Home Minister accused Shams of publishing false and fabricated information which Prothom Alo denied. A progovernment lawyer and TV station accused Prothom Alo of using false quotes, but the newspaper denied the allegations. The government says the DSA is needed to fight misinformation, disinformation, and attempts to undermine people’s rights.

Reaction

Human rights groups oppose the Digital Security Act, saying it is used to suppress dissidents and government critics. Progovernment activists and media have been accused of running a misinformation campaign against media critical of the government’s narrative. Journalists and independent media in Bangladesh have come under increasing attack by the government and Hasina’s ruling party in recent months, including the shutting down of the lone opposition mouthpiece and police beating up journalists. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party criticized the government for Shams’ arrest and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.

Food Prices

High inflation and rising food prices have led to a reduction in meat and fish consumption among poor people in Bangladesh. Shams’ case was filed after the publication of a story that quoted a day laborer criticizing the government’s handling of food prices. The article was widely shared on social media, apparently embarrassing the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Conclusion

The arrest of Shamsuzzaman Shams highlights concerns over press freedom in Bangladesh as criticism of Hasina’s administration grows. Reporters Without Borders ranked Bangladesh 162 out of 180 countries in its 2022 World Press Freedom Index, lower than Russia and Afghanistan. The arrest of journalists, attacks on freedom of speech, and harassment of media personnel continue to raise concerns over democracy in Bangladesh.

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