Obstacles that hinder freedom of expression must be removed?

In a country that has a rich history of struggling for democracy and freedom, the statistics from a recent survey are disconcerting.

A survey titled “Youth Perspective in the Current National Context” has revealed that around 43 per cent of the young people in Bangladesh are hesitant or nervous about exercising their freedom of expression.

These findings should serve as a stark reminder that despite the hard-fought battles for democracy, obstacles to free expression and civic participation persist.

One of the most significant roadblocks identified by the survey is the Digital Security Act, a piece of legislation that many respondents want to see abolished.

With 41.4 per cent demanding the removal of such laws and other administrative measures that obstruct freedom of expression, it’s clear that these concerns are not merely theoretical but are deeply rooted in the lives of the country’s youth.

Furthermore, a staggering 69.4 per cent of the young population believes that corruption and nepotism are the primary obstacles to Bangladesh’s development.

This underscores the pressing need for accountability and transparency in the government’s operations.

As 46.5 per cent of respondents identified a lack of transparency and accountability as additional reasons for the country’s developmental challenges, it is evident that these concerns cannot be overlooked.

However, the hurdles to meaningful civic participation do not end there.

The survey also highlights an alarming statistic – 53.8 per cent of registered voters among the respondents have never cast their ballots in national elections.

The findings of this survey ought to be a wake-up call for both the government and the citizens of Bangladesh.

For a nation that has witnessed decades of struggle for democracy, it is disheartening to witness its derailment even as it is consolidated.

The government must take steps to eliminate barriers to free expression, foster accountability, and create a conducive environment for meaningful civic participation.

Democracy and freedom of expression are not mere ideals; they are essential components of any thriving nation.

Bangladesh’s youth represent a vast well of potential and energy that could propel the country toward inclusive development.

But this can only be realised when the government removes the shackles that hinder freedom of expression and actively encourages civic participation.

Failure to address these issues risks depriving the nation of its greatest asset – its youth, and the promise of a prosperous future.