Bangladesh’s Civic Space Under Siege: New Report Reveals Rising Tide of Violence, Disinformation, and Repression
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A new report released today by VOICE, a prominent research and advocacy organization, paints a grim picture of the shrinking civic space in Bangladesh. The report, launched at a dissemination event in the capital, reveals a disturbing trend of escalating violence, gender disinformation, and legal harassment targeting journalists, writers, poets, and human rights defenders. The event brought together journalists, civil society representatives, legal experts, and academics, all expressing deep concern about the deteriorating environment for free expression and civic engagement.
The report, based on meticulous monitoring of leading newspapers, television channels, and their social media platforms, documents numerous cases of violence against individuals exercising their fundamental rights. From physical assaults on journalists to fabricated legal cases against writers and poets, the findings reveal a systematic effort to silence critical voices and stifle dissent. This alarming trend underscores the erosion of fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and association, raising serious concerns about the future of democracy in Bangladesh.
During a panel discussion at the report launch, experts analyzed the findings and offered recommendations for addressing the crisis. Rezaur Rahman Lenin, an independent researcher and human rights activist, described the report as compelling evidence of the increasingly restricted civic space in the country. He urged policymakers to take immediate action based on the report’s findings, analysis, and recommendations. Lenin emphasized the urgency of addressing the root causes of this repression and implementing concrete measures to protect fundamental freedoms.
The report also sheds light on the growing problem of gender disinformation, which poses a significant threat to women’s participation in public life. Mahpara Alam, a researcher and fellow at the One Future Network, South Asia, highlighted the need for strategic partnerships between the government and major tech platforms like Facebook and TikTok. She stressed the importance of promptly identifying and removing harmful or objectionable content, particularly material that humiliates individuals based on their gender identity, class, caste, or culture. Alam advocated for a proactive approach to combating gender disinformation to ensure a safe and inclusive online environment.
S.M. Monjur Rashid, Senior Advisor, Communications, Social Protection Policy Support (SPPS) Programme, UNDP, addressed the complexities of the digital age, acknowledging both its benefits and risks. He emphasized the importance of shaping a positive digital environment for future generations, one that promotes free expression and protects vulnerable groups from online harassment and disinformation. Rashid urged society to break free from the prevailing culture of silence and actively challenge violations in both digital and physical civic spaces. He stressed that open dialogue and collective action are crucial to safeguarding democratic values in the face of growing online threats.
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, Executive Director of VOICE, summarized the organization’s call to action. He emphasized the urgency of recognizing gender disinformation and online gender-based violence as serious obstacles to women’s participation in public life. Mahmud called for the enactment of laws aligned with international human rights standards and a nationwide campaign to expand digital literacy and civic education, particularly at the grassroots level. He stressed the importance of empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively engage in civic discourse.
The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Bangladesh’s democracy. The escalating violence, disinformation campaigns, and legal harassment create a climate of fear and self-censorship, undermining fundamental rights and hindering civic engagement. The recommendations put forward by VOICE offer a roadmap for addressing these critical issues and safeguarding the future of democratic freedoms in Bangladesh.
The report’s call for concrete action from policymakers, tech companies, and civil society resonates strongly in a context where civic space is shrinking at an alarming rate. The need for a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach is undeniable. By addressing the root causes of repression, promoting digital literacy, and strengthening legal frameworks, Bangladesh can begin to reverse this dangerous trend and create an environment where all citizens can freely exercise their fundamental rights.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to protect civic space. By holding the government accountable to its human rights obligations and providing technical assistance and financial support for civil society organizations, international actors can contribute to a more open and democratic Bangladesh.
The struggle for civic space is not just a domestic issue; it has global implications. The erosion of democratic freedoms in one country can have ripple effects across borders, undermining international norms and emboldening authoritarian regimes elsewhere. Therefore, it is in the interest of all who value democracy and human rights to support the efforts of organizations like VOICE and stand in solidarity with those fighting for a more just and equitable Bangladesh.
The report’s findings serve as a wake-up call, urging immediate action to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms that are essential for a thriving democracy. The time for complacency is over; now is the time for action. The future of Bangladesh’s democracy hangs in the balance.
