Threatened For Blogging

In the wake of the detention by the Bangladesh military of journalist and blogger Tasneem Khalil, I was interviewed by BBC World Service Radio last night about blogging and the intimidation of bloggers by governments. In addition to talking about Tasneem’s case I cited the case of the Egyptian blogger Monem currently under detention for "anti-state" blogging. Little did I know at the time that the topic would hit close to home the very next day.

Yesterday a commenter calling himself "ABC" posted identical comments on a number of Bangladeshi blogs that were involved in the successful campaign to free Tasneem Khalil. "ABC" posted a similar comment on my blog as well. At the time he posted, the commenter had information about the negotiations to free Tasneem from military custody that was not yet public. He was also posting his comments from Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was widely assumed that he was affiliated with elements within the Bangladesh military.

Today the commenter "ABC" is back. He has posted a threatening comment on a number of Bangladeshi blogs. A check of the IP address he was posting from confirmed that he was the same commenter. Below is what he wrote on one of the blogs that participated in the campaign:

This is ABC. Yes, you could be arrested for your blogs here and DP, but you won’t be. Military knows very well who writes what and what has been discussed in the last 3 months. Very open discussions, critical analyses, criticisms, points/counterpoints. Military believes on freedom of speech and individual rights. At times, very objectionable remarks are also made against military. Those are viewed as ‘personal opinions’ and never interfered. May be some of you are thinking that you are indulging in your intellectual efforts sitting in a different country (a safe place)and you are beyond reach. Very wrong. If military wants to get you, it will get you. In fact, you will struggle on your own to catch the next available flight to Dhaka. But military is not interested on you….or any particular blogger. You have 100% freedom of expressing your views and you are already enjoying it uninterruptedly.

Blogging and sending SMS is no crime (as many has asked this question). In fact blogging and SMSs are the wonders of modern science in effective communication. As long as you use your knife to cut potatoes, you are fine. Try this on cutting somebody’s throat, you are in big trouble.

So you don’t know the content of Tasneem’s SMSs. You don’t know what was found in his computer. You don’t know who else were his contacts apart from you guys. It is obvious, you will scream. Ever seen in movie an FBI action ? Ever heard the term counter-terrorism? Think about the entire thing in cool brain. Is it a very difficult puzzle?

Enjoy your blogging. Say whatever you want to. Criticize or advise any way you want. Nobody will tell you or your family members back home anything. You should all be proud that your military has got appreciations and love in over 2 dozens countries for their professional work. They are not aliens from Mars. They are your brothers, uncles and nephews. They are not against you and they have no interest in stopping your right to speak freely.

Would appreciate if this is shared with your other fellow bloggers. [Emphasis added by me.]

We know that newspaper editors and reporters in Bangladesh have been intimidated. The detention of Tasneem Khalil is the most recent example of intimidation of the press by elements of the Bangladesh military. Now the intimidation has crossed outside the borders of Bangladesh. I am not sure where the line is between innuendo and a prosecutable federal offence for making threats over the internet, but I suspect if the current tone of the commenter continues he will soon cross it. However, that is little solace for many expatriate Bangladeshi bloggers who stood together yesterday, along with many bloggers from all over the world, to help a man thousands of miles away whose freedom and life were in great peril. Those selfless and brave Bangladeshi expatriates shouted to the world yesterday when a man’s voice was being silenced in Bangladesh. Today the same bloggers fear for their loved ones.

Fear and intimidation are the weapons of thugs the world over. They aim to achieve silence. They aim to achieve compliance. All things that are antithetical to human freedom and liberty.

This entry was posted in Bangladesh, Human Rights, Media, Terrorism. Bookmark the permalink.

19 Responses to Threatened For Blogging

  1. Robbie says:

    Mash, I know what it’s like to be threatened because of blogging and it’s not fun. Stick to your guns. I’m sure there could be something done to neutralize ABC.

  2. Kaiser Kabir says:

    ABC, it is vitally important that this Interim Government succeeds in implementing much needed institutional reforms and of course, ensuring free and fair elections. In this regard, many of us would like to support this regime as much as possible.

    However, your threats against bloggers are likely to turn off many democratic-minded citizens against this regime.

    You really need to change your style if you want people to support the army and this government. It is clear that you are trying to be polite and reasonable. However, throughout your writings a threatening tone is unmistakable.

    The technique is back-firing.

    There’s too much at stake for Bangladesh. Don’t make this Government unpopular.

  3. Shinigami says:

    Kaiser Kabir, this government is already unpopular. What your relatives done so far other than creating more chaos?

  4. Mash says:

    Shinigami, I think Kaiser was appealing to the better angels of ABC’s nature. I think he gives good advice to the military. I would also add that to truly get the support of the people, a change of tone in the words that are written is not enough – a change in actions is also necessary.

    The best way for the military to earn the support of the people is to give the reigns of the country back to the people and return to the barracks.

  5. Mash says:

    Robbie, I wasn’t aware you were threatened! How did it resolve itself?

    I think it is important to speak out about human rights violations. Those doing the violating would like nothing better than for those who can speak out to simply keep quiet.

    At the end of the day it is my conscience that I have to contend with. If we are unwilling to speak out with the full protection of the United States Constitution on our side, what do we say to those like Tasneem who are risking their very lives speaking out without the protections we enjoy. This country has given me the freedom to use my voice, I am grateful for it and I cherish it – I intend to exercise that right to the fullest in defense of liberty.

  6. Robbie says:

    I had written for another site long vanished from these Internets. About two years ago, I was going to meet some friends from an online message board and the person in question said he’d be there uninvited. On one of my posts, he made a threatening remark and a lot of people feared for my safety. One of my friends offered to loan me one of his .44 Magnums. I refused because I didn’t think the coward would show up.

    He didn’t. He kept harassing me until I stopped writing under one of my former screen names. That’s how it resolved itself.

  7. Joseph says:

    Thanks man. Highly appreciated! 🙂

  8. Sunny says:

    If the Bangladeshi military is watching, then so be it! Hell, I have a whole list of nutters in the UK who are after me, let alone these guys.

    Either way, the message should be clear: that we as disapora South Asians should stand together to protest against any intimidation by the military, threats to our democracy and attacks on freedom of speech.

    Let’s hope peace and calm is restored to Dhaka soon.

  9. dude says:

    why assume that this person talks for the establishment? maybe (s)he is just somebody speaking their mind, and doing it in an uncivil way.

    writing from abroad and writing from dhaka about matters politics IS very different. also a HUGE difference in “writing” about it and actually discussing it in public here, in shops, social gatherings, or business meetings. anyone who has lived or worked here realises one ought to be careful about what one says, and who one says it to, and where one says it at. for that matter, this is true in the US as well. just ask any of the people who have been detained for talking-while-brown at airports, airplanes, restaurants, offices.

    analysing current situation sitting at the Gulsan or IC club with other foreigners is very different from sitting on a wednesday night at the Dhaka club in the middle of the main hall.

    i have yet to hear of anyone being whisked off in middle of night for speaking their mind. but, then, you wouldn’t would you.

    also, you do realise that one does not have ALL of the information that authorities might have. what if what an individual is picked up for is something that is a threat to natioanl security? i mean, isn’t this the same mantra we had been hearing of during the ongoooooooing fight against terrorism?

  10. Kaiser Kabir says:

    Given its ambitious agenda this Interim Government clearly needs the backing of the army. However, such support can come from the barracks. There is no need for the army to be visible in civilian life, and certainly no justification whatsoever in meddling with the day-to-day affairs of the Government.

  11. Hasib says:

    Mash,

    ABC is just a nuisance blogger. He doesnt have the guts to reveal his identity.
    He knows very well that he will get into trouble if he revealed his identity.
    ABC, if you are reading this – I dare you to reveal your identity.

  12. dude says:

    most commenters do not reveal their identity, i sure as hell don’t anywhere i comment on. this doesn’t make what i have to say un-credible, or me a nuisance commenter.

    i do agree that this commenter has many markings of a troll though. but i wouldn’t be so dismissive of someone.

  13. Mash says:

    dude, I’ll respond to the bulk of your earlier comment when I have a bit more time later in the day.

    As for ABC, dude and Hasib, I and others who have heard from him do not consider him a “nuisance blogger”. There are a number of reasons. But the one important reason is that he knew in detail the content of the negotiations between the military and Mahfuz Anam well before it was made public.

    So, no, I don’t think he is some guy “speaking their mind”. He is some guy who had a lot of information that only two parties were privy to. There is every reason to believe that he is part of the “establishment”. Feel free to peruse his comments, and the times he made them, on a bunch of Bangladeshi blogs during the height of the crisis involving Tasneem.

    He also certainly portrays himself as speaking for the “Joint Forces”. Given the information he had, where he was commenting from, and the nature and tone of his comments, I have no reason to doubt his identity.

  14. Hasib says:

    I agree with dude that this guy has all the markings of a troll. He may very well be a Major or Major General of Bangladesh Army ( I could not care less).
    All he is trying to do is project his imaginary power .
    Assuming he is from the Army — it doesnt mean that he is authorized by Bangladesh government or Bangladesh Army to issue threat to bloggers in a blog and for that matter in a blog that is owned by a US Non-profit organization.

    I have 18 childhood friends in Bangladesh army who are either Colonels or above in rank and I am having hard time thinking someone from the army would comment like this in a blog.
    I would just tell Mr. ABC to get a grip on what he says.

  15. Mash says:

    Sunny, as I said on your blog, thanks for using your megaphone to get the word out. The UK contingent was loud and organized quickly. It was something to see. I’m with you on defence of freedom of speech.

    With democracy under threat all over in South Asia, there is plenty of reason to worry. I think it is not too late in Bangladesh – the coming days and weeks will be decisive.

  16. Mash says:

    Kaiser, that is the key to this – the army remaining in the barracks. Unfortunately they are out of the barracks and they are a very blunt instrument.

  17. Mash says:

    dude, you say:

    have yet to hear of anyone being whisked off in middle of night for speaking their mind. but, then, you wouldn’t would you.

    also, you do realise that one does not have ALL of the information that authorities might have. what if what an individual is picked up for is something that is a threat to natioanl security? i mean, isn’t this the same mantra we had been hearing of during the ongoooooooing fight against terrorism?

    Tasneem Khalil was “whisked away” the other night. Perhaps you have heard.

    What makes you think the military picked him up because he was a threat to “national security”? It seems to most people that he was picked up because he spoke up against military rule. Apparently he SMSed “Say ‘No’ to military rule”. Heh! You would think they would give him a medal since, after all, he was only repeating what General Moeen has publicly said just a week ago. He was only repeating what Fakhruddin Ahmed said to the BBC just the other day. He was only repeating what Bangladesh’s special envoy to the US said in Washington last week. He simply reiterated what these leaders have been publicly saying. All these leaders are saying “no” to military rule and trying hard to convince the western powers that Bangladesh is not ruled by the military.

    So why would you pick someone up for saying the same thing? Well, it doesnt take a rocket scientist to figure that out.

    Since you have left your common sense at Zia International Airport, let me just suggest to you that if Tasneem was a threat to “national security”, they would not have released him 22 hours later. Honestly, which government would be stupid enough to release a “national security” threat only 22 hours after picking him up in the middle of the night?

    It seems to me he is the same kind of “national security” threat that Sheikh Hasina was when they banned her from the country after she said in an interview that the current government was “unconstitutional”.

    So your suggestion that no one is being picked up for speaking their mind flies in the face of current events. Oddly, your statement comes in the same comment where you assert earlier that in Bangladesh “one ought to be careful about what one says, and who one says it to, and where one says it at”.

    And your justifying the military’s actions by suggesting the Bush admin does it also does not particularly impress me. Specially since you have agreed with me in your earlier comments to my posts criticizing the Bush admin’s attack on civil liberties. So, you are a champion of human rights here, but when it comes to Bangladesh, you think its ok?

    Finally, give it a rest on the “you have to be here to get the truth” argument. I have spent a great deal of time there, so have a lot of other people who post on Bangladesh. Your grasp of the situation is quite limited, if one is to judge by your observations that no one has been picked up for speaking their mind.
    To get local on you, the difference between Dhaka club and Gulshan club is not much, man. The man on the street does not get to party at Dhaka club – its not as if somehow going to Dhaka club gives you the “common touch”.
    :d

  18. dude says:

    ok, so, let’s begin by chilling a bit.

    then, let’s assume that he was picked up for reasons you, or me, may well be unaware of. so, given that, let’s also assume i DON’T remotely claim to have the common touch, or be part of the said clubs, these were examples, also, i also don’t recall outright saying one has to be here to know the truth.

    now, after all of that, what i am saying is, i have yet meet anyone here who doesn’t claim to have some sort of inside knowledge concerning pretty much anything that goes on relating to any major event. so being here is no guarantor of knowing the truth, remarks of zia int’l left aside.

    what i find problematic, specially with writers who are physically situated outside of the country, representing the goings-ons in the country, in a light which i feel is not completely accurate. i find this only in my experience.

    i also find it telling that bloggers outside of the country are the most vocal anti-current goverment, maybe because they feel they have the freedom to be so, or that people in the country somehow feel they don’t. certainly in conversations, most of which do not happen in elite clubs, i have found people not to be particularly shy airing their views in mixed company. maybe these are people who feel they have nothing to be afraid of, or they have pull or connections, or are tied in with the current government. i don’t know which.

    i understand that many people have in earlier times lived, born, were brought up here, or may even attend embassy or community functions in their respective countries, but SURELY there is a lot to be said for being on the ground where the action is taking place as oppsed to somewhere else where one “hears” of what is going on?

    so let’s not assume that because some people do not readily air their views on everything political here or elsewhere equates they are unawares.

    “Your grasp of the situation is quite limited”

    and reading some of your comments i might think so are yours, but then again i don’t assume you write everything you know.

    what does give me a good, not necessarily better, understanding of what the common man is thinking is the fact i happen to talk to him, her, their negihbour, their local shopkeeper because i ask, because i can, because i am here. these common people that compromise vast majority of the country. so i would say people unable to ask and query and discuss with these common people are the ones out of touch, and maybe not completely aware. not everything one reads on the net or in print is the truth.

    peace

    PS: also, the very many people who might have been picked up in the middle of the night with only their family aware do not have the luxury of the internatioanl blogging community batting for them, i assume those are people i am “unaware” of.

  19. Mash says:

    dude, I’ll start with what you said in your first comment:

    anyone who has lived or worked here realises one ought to be careful about what one says, and who one says it to, and where one says it at

    Then you say in your second comment:

    certainly in conversations, most of which do not happen in elite clubs, i have found people not to be particularly shy airing their views in mixed company.

    So, which is it? You cant simply change your assessment of the situation 180 degrees between two comments simply to support your argument.

    I think the Tasneem Khalil case speaks for itself, your protestations aside. Some of us don’t assume that the government has a case, we ask the government to show that case – even more so if you are going to pick someone up in the middle of the night. That right of the citizen to protection from the whims of the government is what separates a free society from a police state. I do recall when you were living in the US a few months ago that you also understood the distinction.

    You say:

    the very many people who might have been picked up in the middle of the night with only their family aware do not have the luxury of the internatioanl blogging community batting for them, i assume those are people i am “unaware” of.

    I agree with you – and that is a large part of my concern. Read my post entitled “Farce in Bangladesh”.

    You said:

    so let’s not assume that because some people do not readily air their views on everything political here or elsewhere equates they are unawares.

    I am not sure I understand. My statement stands.

    You say:

    i also find it telling that bloggers outside of the country are the most vocal anti-current goverment, maybe because they feel they have the freedom to be so, or that people in the country somehow feel they don’t.

    Gee I wonder why that is true. Could it be that there is no freedom of speech now in Bangladesh? Could it be that the press is constantly intimidated now? Could it be because people are being picked up and thrown in jail and being held without due process? Could it be that people are being tortured and killed?

    And you are right about this:

    not everything one reads on the net or in print is the truth.

    Even more so now that the press in Bangladesh is suppressed.

    Finally, I am curious to hear how things are in Bangladesh. You are the man on the ground, tell us.

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