Friday, May 11, 2007

FREE TASNEEM KHALIL

DISCLAIMER: After reading transcripts of his email conversation with certain other bloggers, tt was indeed sad what Tasneem had to say about his stint with us in Adcomm. It is very disheartening that he needed to blatantly lie. We in Adcomm pride ourself in our professional integrity. It is on this reputation we have built Bangladesh's largest communication business.

I debate with myself on if I should take down this posting. But then decided against it on the grounds: 1) I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt till I get to talk to him. 2) By stooping myself down to his level I make myself a lesser of a person. 3) What I said holds true. If Tasneem was detained for his journalistic work he should have been released. Of course now it seems he was questioned for "anti-state" activity. While I am not sure if it is true or not, I understand the reasons for the authorities to question him. 4) This clarification hopefully will put to bed any questions on reader's minds. 5) Lastly the freedom of speech and of thought is of paramount importance.

If anyone wants further clarifications, please feel free to contact me on my email address.

Thank you for your attention.

:f:







I don’t know why the joint forces picked up Tasneem last night. One can of course guess but as I learnt over the last few weeks, it is often better not to jump to conclusions.

However here is the circumstantial evidence. Tasneem has been quite vocal against the human rights violations that have happened in the hands of the security force apparatus. His recent investigative piece on the Modhupur was very insightful. Not to mention the work he has done on RAB’s “cross-fire” incidences.

If his detention is a result of his journalistic work, it must be condemned. In the harshest words we must protest. The true character of a nation is its ability to accept varying viewpoints and dissent. By not realising this, the powers that be in Bangladesh today is showing that they are not capable of distinguishing themselves from the undemocratic administrations of the past. That will be a pity given the intentions and high moral standards that this Government has vowed to live by.

And it will be a tragedy for all of us who believe in our freedom of speech. I might not agree with Tasneem on many things, but I strongly believe he has the right to express what is in his mind.


Tasneem's Blog: http://www.tasneemkhalil.com/

For More Information
http://www.drishtipat.org/blog/2007/05/10/tasneem-khalil-picked-up-by-army/
http://salamdhaka.blogspot.com/

UPDATE: Tasneem was freed 20 hours after his detention. I believe he is well. Will know details later. Good sense has prevailed.