Human Rights Watch has expressed concerns over what it said the government’s move on surveillance and monitoring the social media.
In a statement date Oct 19, it said that new ‘draconian’ laws and policies are being used to target political opponents, journalists, internet commentators, and broadcasters.
The New York-based rights body said that opposition parties and independent observers fear that the increasing crackdown on privacy and free expression is an attempt to limit speech and criticism of the government in the election period.
Bangladesh government, however, claims these efforts are to stem harmful rumours, false information, or objectionable content to maintain law and order.
“Bangladesh is using claims about public security to silence opponents and critics,” the statement quoted HRW Asia Director Brad Adams. “The government’s surveillance practices are violating the rights to privacy and freedom of expression ahead of the elections.”
Bangladesh has 28 million Facebook users. Since social media emerged as a key tool to express dissent and organize protests, the authorities have monitored various platforms and internet-based communication. This has already led to arrests for using social media to criticize the government, said the rights body.
“There is a chilling atmosphere for journalism and free speech in Bangladesh right now, with even those sharing innocuous social media posts at risk of arrest and harassment,” Adams said. “The government should immediately end this assault on fundamental political rights, and instead create an environment conducive to ensuring that Bangladeshis are able to elect their leaders without fear.”