No bar on broadcasting Tarique Rahman's speech

The High Court (HC) on Thursday removed all legal restrictions on broadcasting and publishing speeches or statements made by BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman. 

The court's decision came as it discharged a matter for non-prosecution, effectively lifting the previous ban.

The decision was made by a High Court division bench consisting of Justice Md Khasruzzaman and Justice Md Khairul Alam after they held a hearing on the plea filed by the petitioner for non-prosecution.

Barrister Kaiser Kamal, Tarique Rahman's counsel, confirmed the news to reporters, stating that the HC's order now allows the media to freely broadcast and publish the BNP leader's speeches or statements without any legal impediments.

Previously, on January 7, 2015, the High Court had imposed a ban on publishing, broadcasting, or reproducing any speeches or statements by Tarique Rahman in all print, electronic, and social media platforms. This ban was to remain in effect as long as he was considered absconding. The earlier order was issued by a bench comprising Justice Kazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman following a writ petition filed by lawyer Nasrin Siddique Lina.

With the latest ruling, the previous restrictions have been nullified, allowing Tarique Rahman's voice to be heard across all media platforms once again.