101 eminent citizens protest complaints against writers, journalists, artistes at tribunal

A total of 101 eminent citizens of the country have expressed deep concern over the filing of complaints against writers, journalists, cultural workers, actors and actresses at the office of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal. They have called for ensuring freedom of expression, the independent development of cultural activities and professional security.

In a joint statement sent to the media on Tuesday (July 28), they said complaints have been filed at the office of the Chief Prosecutor of the International Crimes Tribunal against several journalists, theatre personalities, actors and cultural figures, purportedly on behalf of an unknown and unsupported organisation. They expressed deep concern over the matter.

The statement said that in a democratic state, any individual or organisation has the right to seek legal recourse. However, that right should never be used to curtail freedom of expression, harass artistes or journalists professionally, or suppress dissent.

They said that before verifying the basis, evidence and legal admissibility of the complaints, such steps could undermine the social and professional dignity of the individuals concerned. At the same time, a climate of fear could be created in the cultural and media spheres.

The statement further said that freedom of expression is a fundamental prerequisite for the development of art, literature, journalism and cultural practice. A sustained pattern of complaints and harassment against artistes, journalists or citizens on the grounds of political opinion, criticism or dissent weakens the democratic environment and creates a culture of fear and self-censorship in society.

The 101 eminent citizens urged the relevant state institutions to ensure that the law is not used for personal, political or vindictive purposes. They also called on the authorities not to allow opportunities for professional or social harassment through baseless complaints.

The statement also urged the country's democratic forces, cultural organisations, journalist societies and conscious citizens to remain united and vocal in protecting freedom of expression, the rule of law and citizens' rights.

The 101 eminent citizens who signed the statement are:

Eminent poet Nirmalendu Goon, Ekushey Padak-winning writer Dr Nurun Nabi, Saifullah Mahmud Dulal (poet and journalist), Rahim Shah (Bangla Academy award-winning children's writer), Dr Shamim Ahmed (professor, writer and analyst, Canada), SM Masum Billah (professor), Dr Mahmud Hasan (associate professor, Department of Law, Carleton University, Canada), Dr Mukid Chowdhury (novelist), Dr Pradeep Mahbub (teacher and writer), Sujat Mansur (writer and researcher), Dr Farid Ahmed (teacher and researcher), Humayun Kabir Dali (children's writer), Arif Nazrul (poet and publisher), Hasan Al Abdullah (poet and editor), Dr Sazia Afrin (physician), Dr Shankhamoy Ghosh (physician), Aniket Shamim (poet), Dr Shibli Chowdhury (associate professor), Dr Masud Pathik (poet and filmmaker), Swikriti Barua (organiser), Abdul Gaffar Roni (science writer), Abu Saleh Roni (journalist), Jewel Raj (journalist), Dewan Gaus Sultan (researcher), Mohammad Hormuz Ali (writer and political figure), Sohrab Sumon (literary artist and translator), Sabbir Khan (journalist), Mizanur Rahman Khan (political figure and cultural worker), Mehedi Hasan (journalist), Dr Sakhawat Nayan (novelist), Tushar Ahmed (PhD researcher, Manchester University), Shaila Ahmed Lopa (social activist), Fakir Elias (poet), Sirajia Parvez (rhymester and lyricist), Shams Said (novelist), Sanjoy Sarkar (writer), Kayum Khan (poet), Khaled Chowdhury (short story writer), Noorjahan Neera (poet), Mir Robi (poet and columnist), Rabeya Mitu (concerned citizen), Syed Helal Saif (poet), Mahmuda Sultana (poet), Farhana Elias Tuli (poet), Swapnil Firoz (poet), Milan Sabyasachi (poet), Shamima Akhter (writer), Mahmud Noman (poet), Farzina Akhter (writer), Sarwar Sabur (activist), Sarwar Jahan (poet), Jamshid Shamim (actor), Monira Bubli (cultural worker), Rashed Rehman (novelist and editor), Ayesha Zebin (lawyer and writer), Liton Kumar Dali (teacher and journalist), Asim Kumar Debnath (journalist), Alamgir Masud (short story writer and editor), Alamgir Rumi (publisher), Jahangir Hossain (teacher and cultural worker), Ajay Kumar Roy (poet and publisher), Alamgir Shahriar (writer and researcher), Apan Apu (literary figure), Abu Hena Mostafa Kamal (professional), Mehedi Hasan (journalist and writer), Sheikh Shah Alam (producer and distributor), HMA Haque Bappi (journalist and columnist), Robin Ahsan (writer and publisher), Akramul Haque (activist), MM Meherul (youth organiser), Manik Bairagi (poet), Shahed Kayes (poet and essayist), Shahriar Rion (cultural worker and political analyst), Dalton Saubhat Hira (poet), Mahmudul Hasan (recitation artiste), Niaz Al Kazi (poet and researcher), Ila Lipi (poet), Sohrab Sumon (poet), Dostagir Jahangir (journalist), Rinku Animikh (poet and fine artist), Ayant Imrul (poet), Muhaiminul Islam (journalist), Shariful Islam Sarkar (lyricist and cultural organiser), Shamima Afroz Happy (poet and recitation artiste), Al Amin Hossain (media worker), Bimal Saha (poet), Bakul Mohammad (poet), Elias Shahin (poet), Sonia Dewan Priti (poet), Abdul Odud (rhymester), Chandon Sengupta (journalist), Sakib Hasan (journalist), Bappi Chowdhury (poet), Ali Akbar Babu (poet), Dipti Islam (essayist and poet), Nafe Nazrul (rhymester and publisher), Mehedi Hasan Soeb (poet and journalist), Imran Parash (children's writer), Shamima Sultana (poet), Khaled Sarfuddin (poet and children's writer), and Kamrul Islam (poet).