Since 2009, the shadow of self-censorship has loomed large over Bangladesh. Fear of speaking out against the government has become ingrained in daily life, driven by chilling stories of critics and activists who have been abducted in the dead of night, never to be seen again. The suppression of political opposition and the silencing of the media have further entrenched this culture of fear. The consequences of this pervasive self-censorship extend far beyond the individual, impacting the entire society. But what happens when a populace feels perpetually oppressed? What are the broader implications for citizens and journalists alike?
The Roots of Fear and Control
The practice of self-censorship in Bangladesh is deeply rooted in a culture of fear and control, meticulously cultivated over the past decade and a half. The government employs a variety of tactics to stifle dissent and maintain its grip on power. Enforced disappearances, where critics and activists are abducted in the middle of the night, create an atmosphere of terror.
The knowledge that speaking out could result in disappearance acts as a powerful deterrent against free expression.
Additionally, the systematic dismantling of political opposition through imprisonment, harassment, and violence has eroded the democratic fabric of the country. Without a robust opposition, citizens lack a channel through which to express dissenting views.
Media censorship is another significant factor. The imposition of strict censorship laws and the harassment of journalists have muzzled the press. Media outlets that dare to criticize the government face shutdowns, fines, and arrests. This has led to a media landscape where self-censorship is the norm. Digital surveillance further exacerbates the situation. The Digital Security Act and similar laws allow the government to monitor and censor online activities. Fear of prosecution under these laws has led to widespread self-censorship on social media and other digital platforms.
Public statements and directives from top government officials, including Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique, urging journalists to avoid news critical of the state, further reinforce the culture of self-censorship. These remarks imply severe consequences for those who defy the directive to refrain from "irresponsible journalism." Additionally, media ownership in Bangladesh is often linked to political affiliations. This connection exerts a powerful influence on editorial policies, pushing journalists to align their reporting with the interests of media owners who have close ties with the ruling party.
The Impact on Citizens
The pervasive practice of self-censorship has profound psychological and social consequences for the citizens of Bangladesh. In a society where people are afraid to speak their minds, trust becomes a scarce commodity. People hesitate to share their true thoughts and feelings, even with close friends and family, for fear of being reported. Constantly monitoring one's speech and actions to avoid offending the authorities can lead to significant mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of paranoia. A culture of self-censorship stifles intellectual and creative growth.
When people are afraid to explore and express new ideas, innovation and progress are hindered. The arts, literature, and academia suffer as a result.
Where is our 1984? Where is our 1984, our V for Vendetta, our All the President’s Men?
Fear of reprisal discourages citizens from participating in civic activities and public discourse. This disengagement weakens the foundations of democracy and allows authoritarian practices to flourish unchallenged.
The younger generation, including myself, has been profoundly impacted by the culture of self-censorship. During the Awami League's prolonged reign, my neutral view was shaped by a curriculum highlighting their contributions. The quota reform movement in 2018 changed my perspective. Peaceful protests turned into a turning point due to police brutality. The road safety movement revealed the government's willingness to use violence against citizens. These experiences were incredibly enlightening.
How can a supposedly democratic government react aggressively to peaceful protests? Blaming opposition parties for these movements, despite their lack of political involvement, was baffling. The truth became apparent: the government was prepared to use force to retain power and quell opposition.
The Plight of Journalists
Journalists in Bangladesh face unique challenges in this climate of fear and self-censorship. The role of the press in holding power to account is severely compromised. The threat of arrest, violence, or worse compels many journalists to avoid reporting on sensitive issues. This self-censorship results in a lack of coverage of critical issues, including corruption, human rights abuses, and political repression. Investigative journalism, which requires time, resources, and the freedom to pursue stories without fear of reprisal, is in decline. Safety concerns are also significant. Journalists who do choose to report on controversial topics face significant safety risks. Harassment, physical attacks, and legal threats are common, creating a hostile environment for the press. Economic pressure is another factor. Journalists often face economic pressures from media owners and advertisers, pushing them to avoid content that could jeopardize financial interests. This economic dependency exacerbates the practice of self-censorship, further limiting the scope of independent journalism.
The government and its supporters reportedly singled out fifty-six journalists in just the initial three months of 2023.
Journalists in Bangladesh are constantly endangered by the oppressive Digital Security Act (DSA), which exposes them to the threat of arrest, harassment, surveillance, and physical assaults from government loyalists. On April 4, 2023, journalist Ayub Meahzi was attacked by armed assailants and thrown off a two-story building in Chattogram. Meahzi survived the attack but thinks it was in retaliation for his reporting on corrupt officials involved in land grabbing and hill cutting.
On March 30, 2023, Shamsuzzaman Shams, a correspondent for Prothom Alo, was arrested under the DSA. His article on the country's cost of living resulted in charges of "damaging the nation's image." Following Shams' arrest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina publicly castigated Prothom Alo as the "enemy" of the ruling Awami League party, democracy, and the people of Bangladesh. This led a group of young individuals to unlawfully enter and deface the Prothom Alo office.
The Way Forward
Given the current political landscape, where the ruling party believes it is entitled to govern unchallenged due to its historical role in the liberation movement and the prime minister's familial connection to the founding president, expecting legal reforms or voluntary relinquishment of power is unrealistic. However, there are still potential avenues for fostering change and reducing the harmful effects of self-censorship.
Building a strong, grassroots movement that can advocate for change from the bottom up is crucial.
This involves educating and empowering citizens to demand their rights and hold local authorities accountable. Grassroots mobilization, such as community organizing and local advocacy, can provide a foundation for broader societal change. Leveraging international pressure through human rights organizations, foreign governments, and global media can shine a spotlight on the abuses taking place. Solidarity from the international community can provide moral and sometimes material support to local activists and journalists. For instance, highlighting cases of enforced disappearances and attacks on free speech in international forums can pressure the government to change its approach.
While digital surveillance is a significant threat, there are ways to navigate and resist it.
Training citizens and journalists in digital security practices, such as using encrypted communication tools and anonymizing their online presence, can help mitigate some risks.
Platforms like Signal and Tor can be valuable tools in this effort. Encouraging the growth of independent and alternative media platforms, including online blogs, social media channels, and community radio, can help bypass traditional media censorship. These platforms can become safe spaces for free expression and dissent. For example, online platforms that allow anonymous publication can provide a voice for those who might otherwise be silenced. Providing legal aid and support to those who face persecution for speaking out can help protect individuals and create a network of resistance. Organizations dedicated to defending human rights and freedom of expression can play a critical role here. Establishing a robust network of pro bono lawyers and legal aid organizations can offer crucial support to persecuted journalists and activists.
Raising awareness about the importance of free speech and the dangers of self-censorship through education campaigns can help change the mindset of the populace. This includes integrating these topics into the educational curriculum and public discourse. Schools, universities, and community centers can become hubs for promoting free expression and critical thinking. Civil society organizations can play a pivotal role in advocating for policy changes and holding the government accountable. Public campaigns that highlight the stories of those affected by self-censorship and repression can galvanize public opinion and foster a culture of resistance.
While the prospects for immediate, top-down change in Bangladesh are slim, there are still realistic steps that can be taken to mitigate the harmful effects of self-censorship.
By focusing on grassroots mobilization, international pressure, digital resilience, alternative media, legal support, and education, it is possible to slowly but surely foster a more open and free society. The journey is arduous, but the stakes—freedom, justice, and the well-being of the populace—are too high to ignore. The culture of self-censorship in Bangladesh is not merely a byproduct of fear but a calculated mechanism of control. It creates a society where dissent is stifled, creativity is hindered, and democracy is undermined. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize and address the roots of this issue. Only through collective effort, both within Bangladesh and from the international community, can we hope to see meaningful change. The path is long and fraught with challenges, but the pursuit of freedom and justice is a cause worth fighting for.
