জাতীয় কবি কাজী নজরুল ইসলাম বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়

Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University

Meme Culture in Bangladesh: My Right Ends Where Yours Begin, From Freedom of Expression to Undesirable Consequences in Digital Age

Mehedi Hasan Anik

Abstract

This paper aims to manifest the degree of effect of meme culture in the cyber and social lives of Bangladeshis, as well as its legal and ethical aspects. Memes are the newest form of freedom of expression in this digital era. It has expanded into a popular way for people to freely express opinions, emotions, and perceptions in a lighthearted and straightforward manner. The consequences of meme culture, however, go beyond mirth. It has influenced how individuals in Bangladesh interact, communicate, and even observe specific social and political concerns. Based on this philosophy, The researcher has put forward the prevailing laws in the country regarding freedom of expression and their connections with meme culture, as well as the actual scenario of their implementation. The main focus of this paper is to outline the scenario of crossing the limits of the right to freedom of expression through meme culture and its negative consequences. In context, how does exercising the right to freedom of speech through memes affect the rights of others? It delves into the potential harm inflicted by memes that exceed the bounds of acceptable speech and how that affects the rights of people who might be ostracized or targeted. Further, the researcher has also contrasted the findings with the conditions currently in effect in some countries regarding the status of the implementation of laws on this subject. As final points, arguments and suggestions were advanced that can improve how meme culture interacts with our right to freedom of expression within its limits without intruding on others' rights. Ultimately, this study seeks to demonstrate the crucial importance of a balanced strategy that respects freedom of expression and any justifiable constraints on it. Keywords: Meme Culture, Effects, Freedom of Expression, Limits in

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