The defamation case filed against the Barguna UNO, though finally withdrawn by the complainant, has become the latest example of using the defamation law as a weapon to muzzle dissenting voices and criticism.

The law ministry yesterday sent a proposal to the Supreme Court for transferring Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Barisal Md Ali Hossain who had dealt with the defamation case against Barguna Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tariq Salman.

The Barisal magistrate whose order led to the arrest of the Barguna upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) says he did not refuse bail to the UNO in the case.

A defamation case filed against Barguna Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tariq Salman for distributing invitation cards with allegedly a distorted portrait of Bangabandhu is withdrawn.