Digital Security Act imposes ‘dangerous restrictions’ on freedom of expression: Amnesty International

Amnesty International has expressed its concerns over possible abuse of the Digital Security Act passed by the Parliament of Bangladesh.

The new law imposes “dangerous restrictions” on freedom of expression, the London-based rights group’s South Asia Campaigner Saad Hammadi said in a statement on Thursday.

“Instead of learning from the lessons of the past, it seeks to repeat them. Given how the authorities have arbitrarily arrested hundreds of people in the past six years under the Information and Communication Technology Act, there are serious concerns that the new Act will be used against people who speak out,” he said.

The government’s disregard for editors’ recommendations and the concerns of the general public “shows lack of concern” for the grave issues regarding the act, Hammadi said.

“The government must revert its course from this regressive law, that compromises its international commitments; and ensure they fully uphold the right to freedom of expression as protected by international human rights law,” he added.

People related to the media have been critical of some sections of the new law since it was drafted, alleging that it will curb freedom of expression by obstructing journalism.

Journalists are also concerned about the provision that empowers police to search, seize or arrest without any warrant in cases of alleged crimes covered by the law.

Section 32 has drawn most flak from journalists who worry that it will hinder investigative reporting on corruption.

The new Act has repealed the much criticised Section 57 of the ICT Act, but concerns that it will curb freedom of expression by impeding journalism remain as some parts of the ICT Act have been kept in the new law.