Freedom of speech must not cross limits of decency: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday called upon all to unite against the culture of abusive language, saying that freedom of speech must not cross the limits of decency.

“At present, a democratic environment is prevailing in the country and freedom of speech is unrestricted. But we must remember that freedom of speech should not cross the boundaries of decency,” he said while delivering his concluding remarks at the third session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad (JS).

The Leader of the House said, “We do not want fascist and autocratic rule to be imposed on the shoulders of the people of Bangladesh. Likewise, no conscientious person or patriotic politician would want our political culture to turn into a culture of abusive language.”

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“That is why all of us, irrespective of political affiliations, should play a responsible role,” he added.

Tarique Rahman questioned why words that people would not feel comfortable using in a family environment should be used in the public forum.

“Why should we use in the public forum the words that we do not feel comfortable using in our family environment? Why should we not refrain from using such words in the public sphere? I want to leave this question with all members of parliament and all conscientious citizens of the country,” he said.

“If we truly agree on this issue, let us take a united stand against the culture of abusive language,” the Prime Minister added.