BIGSTOCKThe right to engage in criticism should be applicable not just within parliament, but for larger society as wellCriticism and debate regarding the government’s policies are essential components of any well-functioning democracy. It is reassuring that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said no barriers will be made towards criticisms of the government in parliament, which means all members of parliament will get an equal chance to speak up. Ideally, the right to engage in criticism should be applicable not just within parliament, but for larger society as well. When laws are so broadly written that avenues are opened up for abuse, those laws need rethinking, and better safeguards need to be in place for the airing of unpopular opinions. But such safeguards should not be used to silence or punish ordinary citizens; crucially, they should not remove the basic democratic right of engaging in constructive criticism.

Source: Dhaka Tribune January 31, 2019 17:37 UTC