Internet freedom is not just about overcoming state censorship on free expression, but also integral in promoting universal access and engagement with modern communication systems. Thus, there is more to internet freedom than protecting users from creative restrictions—rather it must also enable public participation and empowerment. As Hilary Clinton once noted:
“This issue isn’t just about information freedom . . . It’s about whether we live on a planet with one internet, one global community, and a common body of knowledge that benefits and unites us all, or a fragmented planet in which access to information and opportunity is dependent on where you live and the whims of censors.”[10]
[1] http://www.moict.gov.bd/images/download/ICT_ACT_2006.pdf (Last Accessed 9/20/2013)
[2] For a complete account and analysis of this Act, See Khan AH, Upholding right to freedom of expression through Internet www.thedailystar.net/beta2/news/upholding-right-to-freedom-of-expression-through-internet/ (Last Accessed 12/2/2013)
[3] http://www.moict.gov.bd/images/download/law.pdf (Last Accessed 12/2/2013)
[4] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/bangladesh/10039795/36-killed-in-Dhaka-as-Islamic-militants-clash-with-police.html
[5] http://newagebd.com/detail.php?date=2013-08-14&nid=60808#.UjxwhsbI3mQ
[6] For a discussion on politics in Bangladesh See Jahan, R (2005) Bangladesh Politics, Problems and Issues University Press Ltd; Ali Riaz. (2005) Traditional Institutions as Tools of Political Islam in Bangladesh Journal of Asian and African StudiesJune 2005 vol. 40 no. 3 171-196; Majumder S (2005) Outcome of Democracy in Bangladesh. http://www.democracy-asia.org/qa/bangladesh/Shantanu%20Majumder1.pdf (Last Accessed 9/20/2013)
[7] Mohaimen N, The Forest of Symbols http://kafila.org/2013/02/22/shahbagh-the-forest-of-symbols-naeem-mohaiemen/ (Last Accessed 12/2/2013)
[8] Ross A, Internet Freedom: Historic Roots and the Road Forward, SAIS Review vol XXX no.2 (Summer-Fall 2010)
[9] Ibid at 6
[10] Clinton H, “Remarks on Internet Freedom” (speech, The Newseum, Washington D.C., January 21, 2010), cited by Ross A (ibid at note 9) at 3.
Sources