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BNP Govt. to go through with Bill on media?

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA April 8. The Bangladesh Parliament is likely to pass two controversial Bills — one will restrict the media from publishing reports about certain issues before Parliament and the other is to help "quick disposal of cases" relating to law and order.

Independent newspapers and commentators have said the Private Member's Bill called "The Jatiya Sangsad (Special Privileges and Powers) Act, 2002", which seeks special powers for the lawmakers, appears to be a tool to curtail the freedom of the press. Some constitutional experts have also said the Bill goes against the spirit of Article 29 of the Constitution that guarantees freedom of thought and speech.

The Jatiya Sangsad Bill, introduced by Abu Hena, a ruling Bangladesh National Party (BNP) lawmaker, defines publishing reports on documents, statements prepared for presentation in the House or debates of a parliamentary committee as a punishable offence. The publication of confidential decisions, reports, documents or proceedings of parliament has also been made a punishable offence under the Bill.

The Bill suggests that a Member of Parliament will enjoy the status of a Supreme Court Judge. The proposed legislation gives immunity to MPs against criminal charges and empowers the Speaker to punish "strangers" in Parliament for "misconduct". The publication of defamatory comments made in the House or in parliamentary committee meetings about the President, Speaker, Supreme Court Judges or MPs is also a punishable offence under the proposed law.

Publishing offensive remarks against an MP or reports that are deemed to be obstructing the functioning of parliament will also be considered punishable crimes. According to the provisions of the Bill, the Speaker, with the approval of the House, will have the authority to mete out punishments, including imprisonment and fine.

While journalists have expressed concern about the proposed law, the Opposition has said it is against the fundamental right of the people. Although the press is considered an integral part of

democracy, the Bill identifies working journalists as "strangers" in Parliament. Given the opposition, it is unclear whether the Government will go ahead with the Bill. The Bill enjoys the support of a significant number of MPs belonging to the ruling coalition.

The other Bill, called "Law and Order Disruption Crimes (Summary Trial) Act, 2002", will provide for special courts to try offenders within 60 days and lays down rigorous imprisonment of two to five years for crimes "disrupting social life". "It's not a black law. It will be used against criminals and not against any gentleman," the Home Minister, Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, told Parliament.

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