Is supporting liberation war a crime? : Panna

Journalist Manjurul Alam Panna, along with 16 others including former minister Abdul Latif Siddiqui, was produced in court under the Anti-Terrorism Act and later ordered imprisoned by the Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque’s court at Shahbagh police station.

During the hearing, Panna appeared handcuffed and raised his hand to pose a poignant question: “Is speaking in favor of the Liberation War and standing with the freedom fighters a crime?”

He emphasized that the brave sons of the nation fought for the country’s independence and questioned, “Is standing by their side now considered terrorism?”

Panna further expressed his role as a journalist, stating, “I write with both my hands. What should journalists write? Whose side should they take? I write against terrorism and corruption. Do you consider this writing terrorism?”

He concluded by asking the court and the nation: “Is supporting the Liberation War and freedom fighters an act of terrorism? Have we really committed any terrorism?”

This case has sparked widespread debate on freedom of speech and the definition of terrorism in the country.