Growing Coronavirus Spread in Bangladesh Raises Concern (File)
Dhaka:
Bangladesh university professor charged with controversial digital security laws for allegedly mocking former health minister who died of coronavirus, the latest in a series of arrests over publications social media on the epidemic.
The Saturday night detention of 28-year-old Sirajum Munira took place after the death of former Health Minister Mohammad Nasim’s virus.
The spread of the virus in the impoverished country is causing increasing concern, which has reopened after a lockout despite the increase in new cases.
Activists say Internet laws are used to suppress criticism of the government’s handling of the epidemic.
“She published a derogatory comment on the death of Mohammad Nasim. She made fun of a deceased person,” said local police chief Rabiul Islam.
“It went viral and created negative reactions and undermined the image of the country.”
Munira, a lecturer north of Begum Rokeya University, then apologized and deleted his comments after posting them on Facebook.
At least 44 people have been arrested and charged since March under Internet laws for allegedly spreading rumors and propaganda.
The virus has claimed the lives of a group of prominent Bangladeshis, including business magnates, bureaucrats and seasoned doctors.
On Saturday, Sheikh Abdullah, Minister of State for Religious Affairs and close ally of the Prime Minister, died of the virus after being admitted to a military hospital.
Front line workers, including the police, have also been affected by the pandemic.
Two cabinet ministers from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as well as five MPs, were also infected, a minister told AFP.
Since the South Asian country reported its first case in early March, the number of infections has reached more than 87,000 with more than 1,100 deaths.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
