Paris, June 22 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation on Monday strongly condemned the suspension of the construction of an 81-foot-tall statue of Lord Ram at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda and Kali Temple in Gaibandha district of Bangladesh, under pressure from Islamist extremists.Citing reliable sources, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) said that the project was halted amid pressure from Islamist extremist groups, fears of possible mob violence, and growing concerns over…
Latest Freedom of expression News & Updates
Quetta, June 5 (IANS) Human rights activist and chief organiser of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), Mahrang Baloch, has dismissed the recent allegations levelled against her, her colleagues, and the organisation by the Pakistani authorities as “baseless.” She said that such a move forms part of a clear and organised effort to discredit the peaceful political struggle in Balochistan.In a statement issued from Huda Jail in Quetta and posted on BYC’s social media platform X on Friday, Mahrang…
Dublin, April 30 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation has called on the Bangladeshi government to immediately withdraw the cautionary letter issued to a woman human rights defender, Rani Yan Yan, and to provide a clear explanation of the legal basis for its issuance and dissemination to multiple government offices. Ireland-based rights group Front Line Defenders urged the authorities to cease all forms of harassment and intimidation against Rani and to take all necessary meas…
Berlin, April 22 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation has expressed its grave concerns over the recent arrest of an individual in Bangladesh for allegedly sharing a satirical cartoon on a social media platform. Germany-based International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) said that this incident has once again brought critical questions to the forefront regarding freedom of expression, civil liberties, and the rule of law – “issues fundamental to any democratic society”.Cit…
New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) The Indian National Congress today strongly condemned the Central government for what it described as a systematic crackdown on social media platforms, including X, YouTube, Instagram and similar other micro-blogging sites. Party spokesperson and Chairperson of social media and digital platforms, Supriya Shrinate, accused the administration of suppressing dissent, undermining freedom of expression, and threatening democratic principles by blocking or restricting ac…
New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) A political row has erupted over the upcoming film ‘The Kerala Story 2’, with leaders across party lines offering sharply divergent views on its content, intent, and implications for social harmony.BJP leaders strongly defended the upcoming film ‘The Kerala Story 2’, terming it a reflection of reality and invoking freedom of expression amid mounting political criticism.Speaking to IANS, BJP National Spokesperson, Shazia Ilmi, questioned calls for banning the film, arguin…
United Nations, Feb 10 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned about reports of attacks on journalists by the military and police ahead of Thursday’s Bangladesh parliamentary elections, according to his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. “For us, it’s clear and important that the elections in Bangladesh take place in atmosphere that is peaceful, in a way that is inclusive, in line with Bangladesh’s own constitution and international obligations”, Dujarric said on Monday. He wa…
Paris, Jan 21 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation strongly condemned the dismissal of two teachers from a private university in Bangladesh over blasphemy allegations, calling the incident a dangerous precedent for academic freedom in the South Asian nation.The teachers dismissed by the authorities of the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) in Dhaka on January 18 were Assistant Professor Layeka Bashir and Associate Professor ASM Mohsin, both from the Department of Basic Sciences…
Mumbai, Jan 18 (IANS) Music maestro A R Rahman has been facing a lot of backlash for his remark on ‘communal’ bias in the Hindi film industry. Rahman, who has been subjected to a lot of criticism recently, has now used social media to share his side of the story.The Oscar-winning composer took to Instagram and uploaded a video sharing that India is not only his home, but also his inspiration and his teacher. He further stated that he never wanted to hurt anyone’s sentiments.Rahman can be heard s…
Dhaka, Dec 28 (IANS) At least 71 incidents related to blasphemy allegations against Hindu minorities were reported in Bangladesh from June-December this year, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) said in a report. The HRCBM documented cases from more than 30 districts, including Chandpur, Chattogram, Dinajpur, Lalmonirhat, Sunamganj, Khulna, Comilla, Gazipur, Tangail and Sylhet, according to the report. Rights group said that the spread and similarity of these cases showcase s…