The InternationalCovenant on Civil and Political Rights: A Study on Bangladesh Compliance extent of the freedom of expression that the general people and media enjoy in that society. In this light, the Covenant provides that everyone shall have freedom of expression, which includes freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.26 With the same spirit, the Covenant not only provides for the right of peaceful assembly, but also stipulates that no restrictions may be placed on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society.27 Similarly, the ICCPR also guarantees for everyone the right to freedom of association with others, including the right to form and join trade unions, without any restrictions imposed on the exercise of this right, unless such restrictions are prescribed by law and necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. 4. Overview of National Legislations Protecting Civil and Political Rights 26 Article 19 of the ICCPR. Article 21 of the ICCPR. 28 Tomuschat, “Introduction to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” available at: <http://untreaty.un.org/cod/avl/ha/iccpr/iccpr.html>. 27 31