Hasnat questions arrest over cartoon sharing in parliament

Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah has questioned the recent arrest of a person named Hasan Inam for allegedly sharing a cartoon, drawing parallels with past incidents during the previous government where individuals were reportedly detained for cartoons or criticism.

Speaking in parliament today (19 April), he said such arrests were unexpected in the post-uprising period. 

Hasnat noted that a case was filed under Section 25 of the Cyber Security Act over the sharing of a meme involving the chief whip.

He questioned the applicability of Section 25, stating that it is primarily related to sexual offences, and asked how sharing a meme could fall under such a provision. 

The NCP leader further alleged that the law was being used to suppress dissent and that bail was not being granted in such cases.

Later in the session, Chief Whip Nurul Islam Moni clarified his position in the House, saying that if anyone had been arrested for drawing cartoons criticising him or the government, they should be released. 

He added that he had already discussed the matter publicly and even posted about it on Facebook.

He stated that due to repeated false and defamatory campaigns against him and his party, general diaries had been filed at various police stations and complaints had also been submitted to the Election Commission to curb misinformation from fake accounts.

On the arrest of Hasan Inam, he said he had seen media reports about a man detained for drawing cartoons and reiterated that if the arrest was solely for cartooning, he would request his release. 

However, he added that the arrested individual's other activities should also be investigated, including possible involvement in cybercrime or money laundering. 

"If he is only involved in political satire or cartooning, I have no objection. But if there is evidence of other crimes, then the law will take its own course," he said.