ASK, Ruja express deep concern over case spree against star editor

Rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) yesterday expressed deep concern over the filing of sedition cases and issuance of a summons against Editor and Publisher of The Daily Star Mahfuz Aman.

A total of 64 cases -- 15 of them sedition pleas and the rest defamation suits -- have been filed against the editor, for the alleged "reports against Sheikh Hasina" published in 2007-2008 during the last caretaker government.

The barrage of lawsuits came days after the editor, at a talk show on February 3, made an introspective comment about a lapse in his editorial judgement in publishing a few reports, based on information given by the Task Force Interrogation Cell during the last caretaker government, without being able to verify those independently.

In a press release, ASK said taking such a legal action against Mahfuz Anam, even after his admission, was not at all positive for the freedom of media.

Article 39 and 11 of Bangladesh's constitution guarantee freedom of expression and basic human rights of every citizen, it said.

The organisation hoped that everyone concerned would play their responsible role for ensuring the freedom of media considering the constitutional obligation. 

It also demanded fair and impartial trials in all cases filed against Mahfuz Anam.

Meanwhile, the Rajshahi University Journalist Association (Ruja) yesterday expressed deep concern over the barrage of cases filed against Mahfuz Anam, reports our RU correspondent.

In a statement, signed by Ruja president Mahbub Alam and general secretary Rafiqul Islam, the association condemned the filing of the cases.

"The filing of these cases across the country indicates an aggressive, politically-motivated effort to harass a senior editor and a key newspaper of the country," it said.

Ruja observed that such move could put democracy and the freedom of speech at stake.

"The ruling party men should have praised Mahfuz Anam for admitting the lapse," it said.

Ruja urged quick resolution of the matter.