News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchCultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to freedom of expression and writing, dismissing any possibility of book censorship.
A press release from the Press Information Department (PID) quoted Farooki as saying, "There is no question of censorship on the publishing of books, as the government is fully committed to freedom of expression."
Recent reports cited a police officer suggesting that law enforcement or Bangla Academy might review manuscripts before publication. However, Farooki clarified, "Our clear statement on this matter is that there is no question of examining manuscripts by the police or anyone else before publishing."
Authorities have sought an explanation from the officer concerned regarding the statement. Emphasizing the interim government’s values, Farooki reiterated that freedom of expression remains a fundamental principle.
Background:
This news item reflects a significant shift in Bangladesh's approach to freedom of expression under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, which came to power following a mass uprising in July 2024[3][4].
Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the Cultural Affairs Adviser in the interim government, has strongly affirmed the government's commitment to freedom of expression and writing. This statement comes in response to recent reports suggesting that police or Bangla Academy might examine book manuscripts before publication[6].
Key points from this news:
1. The government explicitly denies any form of censorship on book publishing.
2. Farooki has sought an explanation from the police officer whose statement suggested pre-publication examination of manuscripts.
3. The interim government claims to uphold the "spirit of July," emphasizing freedom of expression as a core principle.
This stance marks a departure from the previous government's approach under Sheikh Hasina, which was characterized by restrictive laws like the Digital Security Act (DSA) and Cyber Security Act (CSA) that severely limited freedom of expression[1][4][7]. The interim government has been under pressure from organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Amnesty International to reform these repressive laws and restore press freedom[5][7].
However, it's important to note that despite these positive statements, concerns remain about the interim government's commitment to free speech. A recent draft Cyber Security Ordinance has raised alarms for potentially mirroring previous repressive legal frameworks[4]. This context makes Farooki's statement particularly significant, as it reaffirms the government's stated commitment to freedom of expression in the face of ongoing challenges and skepticism[8].
Citations:[1] https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/stop-crackdown-on-freedom-of-expression-online-in-bangladesh/[2] https://www.bssnews.net/news/100-days-of-interim-government/223695[3] https://www.bssnews.net/at-a-glance/242477[4] https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/bangladeshs-fragile-progress-toward-freedom-of-expression/[5] https://rsf.org/en/bangladesh-rsf-calls-head-interim-government-end-longstanding-repression-against-journalism[6] https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/243044[7] https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/bangladesh-interim-government-must-restore-freedom-of-expression-in-bangladesh-and-repeal-cyber-security-act/[8] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/bangladesh-interim-government-must-restore-freedom-of-expression-in-bangladesh-and-repeal-cyber-security-act/
