Concern over filing of case against eminent citizens

Referring to the recent exchanges between the CPD and a high-level government functionary that led to the filing of the case, they said, "As a research institute, we feel bound to break our traditional silence in a situation that could threaten independent research and dissemination, as well as throttle the freedom of speech and free thought. We condemn this trend and request all concerned to demonstrate greater maturity and responsibility."

"There is a long tradition of independent research and dissemination in Bangladesh, including well-developed norms for expressing differences in opinion about data or methods. It is unfortunate that in recent times such norms appear to have been eroded," they added.