Freedom of speech not a blank cheque, a responsibility

Aruna Bala and Sajib Hosain write for DOT : 
Nowadays freedom of speech or freedom of expressions becomes a relative matter in Bangladesh. ‘Freedom’ word itself stands as being allowed or unrestricted or permitted. But in the eye of national laws or international laws it doesn’t mean a person can say whatever likes or wishes or whenever wants without acknowledging the right and wrong of the applications. Under the Amnesty International UK, freedom of speech or freedom of expression basically is the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, by any means but definite with responsibilities and also with belief that it can be legitimately restricted. The restrictions must be set out by the laws precisely so that people can understand and reasons behind the limitations. Before expressing or delivering the speech, each and every person should be aware of morality, sociality, national security and public order laterally with the rights and reputations of others.
Article 39 (1) of the constitution of Bangladesh specifically states that freedom of thought and conscience is guaranteed, on the other hand Article 39 (2) provides that subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interests of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence along with the right of every citizen to freedom of speech and expression; and freedom of the press are guaranteed. So it is crystal clear that people of Bangladesh are secured with the right to freedom of speech or freedom of expressions but with some responsibilities by not offending the laws and nations personally.
Even, Article 10 of the Human Rights Act-1998 and Article 18, 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 18, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, itself protects the right to freedom of speech and right to freedom of expressions precisely and clearly.
But that doesn’t mean all rights can be used viciously without following any duties and errands. All citizens should be conscious about their any responsibilities under Article 10 of the Human Rights act-1998, such as; be covered by law, be necessary and proportionate, be for one or more of the following aims: national security, territorial integrity or public safety, preventing disorder or crime, protecting health, protecting other people’s reputation or rights, preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.
There has been widespread condemnation all over the world against use and execution of freedom of speech or freedom of expressions. Therefore, there is one noteworthy idea has to be narrated specifically to the nation that ‘Free Speech’ is not the license to say anything to anyone at all times. The society always should be confined to words and deeds to comply with the laws, civility and decency.
The authors are independent researchers.