Dhaka, Feb 27 (UNB) – Hitting out at the Shahbagh protesters for demanding the arrest of Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman, BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday said they have taken a position against the freedom of expression.
“Now the freedom of expression is being suppressed. The youths demonstrating at Shahbagh have submitted a memorandum to the Home Minister demanding the arrest of an editor and closure of his newspaper. These activities have proved they’re working against free-thinking,” he said.
Fakhrul came up with the allegation at discussion and prize distribution programme organised by Zia Sangskritik Sangathan (Zisas) at the National Press Club.
Describing Mahmudur Rahman as a symbol of free-thinking, the BNP leader said it is the duty of all to save him from the wrath of the government. “The government is trying to illegally arrest Mahmudur Rahman… his offence is that he has published the truth.”
Urging the Shahbagh protesters to know Awami League’s past character, Fakhrul said the party during 72-75 had closed all but four newspapers and arrested many journalists.
“The government is now again making an evil design to reintroduce a one-party rule in a different style. They’re now trying to gag the media,” he said.
Chaired by Zisas president Abul Hashem Rana, the programme was addressed, among others, by BNP Dhaka city unit member secretary Abdus Salam, Zisas leaders Matiur Rahman and actress Rina Khan.
Source: UNBConnect
