British-Bangladeshi Author Appeals to Bangladesh's UK High Commissioner Amid State Harassment Under Digital Security Act

In a significant development, renowned author and human rights activist William Gomes has appealed to Saida Muna Tasneem, the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to the UK, and other high-ranking officials for intervention amid allegations of harassment under Bangladesh's Digital Security Act 2018.

Gomes, who potentially faces charges under Section 21 of the Digital Security Act, is fighting for his right to free speech. The allegations are linked to his contentious poem, "Anti-State", and his critique of Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal on ABC Radio. His poem advocates for the burning of Bangladesh's red and green flag. This, coupled with his critique, are the reasons behind the potential charges.

Despite the looming threat, Gomes has been proactive in reaching out to key Bangladeshi figures for intervention. Alongside High Commissioner Tasneem, he has written to Ms Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Professor Dr Gowher Rizvi, Adviser to the Prime Minister; the State Minister for Home Affairs; the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; the State Minister for Foreign Affairs; the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; the Attorney General for Bangladesh; the Ambassador at the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Brussels, Belgium.

In his appeal, Gomes emphasised the importance of freedom of speech, stating, "Writing a poem is not a crime. I believe that my critique of the tribunal was a rightful criticism, despite the potential dispute over its validity under the Digital Security Act." He further voiced his belief that his ongoing opposition to human rights violations has made him a target of undue harassment.

As this case unfolds, it draws international attention to the potential misuse of legislation such as the Digital Security Act, and its impact on freedom of speech and human rights. Although Gomes remains outside Bangladesh in self-imposed exile, he continues to shed light on what he terms 'enforced censorship'.

The international repercussions this case may have on freedom of speech and the broader human rights climate within Bangladesh make the responses of the Bangladeshi authorities to Gomes's appeal eagerly awaited.

Gomes's appeal highlights a key area of contention in international human rights discourse: the balance between national security laws and the protection of individual liberties, such as freedom of speech and expression.

The case involving Gomes, currently under investigation by Bangladeshi authorities, shines a spotlight on the broad and potentially far-reaching implications of the Digital Security Act 2018. The legislation, intended to ensure national security and maintain social order, has been criticised by human rights activists and international observers for potentially stifling dissent and curbing free speech.

Gomes' predicament underlines the potential risks faced by journalists and writers who express their views in a public forum. "Even in exile, I find myself subjected to what I call 'enforced censorship'," said Gomes, expressing his concern over the international impact of the case on freedom of speech.

In his plea to Saida Muna Tas Tasneem and other high-ranking officials, Gomes has urged an objective assessment of his work. He invited the officials to read his poem and form their own opinions, thereby advocating for a nuanced understanding of his stance.

Gomes has also underscored his vulnerability, expressing fears over his inability to return safely to Bangladesh to defend himself should he face charges under the Digital Security Act 2018. He further highlighted the sensitivity of issues related to the national flag and national history, which might discourage legal representation in his defence.

The author's appeal extends beyond his personal predicament, aiming to generate a broader dialogue on the potential misuse of legislation like the Digital Security Act and its implications for freedom of speech and human rights in Bangladesh.

As the global community awaits responses from Bangladeshi authorities, Gomes' situation continues to draw attention to the complex interplay between national security, legislation, and fundamental human rights, particularly in the context of the rapidly changing digital landscape. This case serves as a potent reminder of the significant challenges faced in ensuring freedom of speech and the urgent need for dialogue and reform in this critical area.