Hasina sees nothing in Digital Security Act for journalists to fret over

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has waded into the controversy generated by the new Digital Security Act, saying she sees nothing in the new law that could leave journalists worried.

She spoke about the law in parliament on Thursday, a day after the MPs passed it by dropping the much criticised Section 57 of the ICT Act.

Concerns that it will curb freedom of expression by impeding journalism, however, remain as some parts of the ICT Act have been kept in the new law.

People related to the media have been critical of some sections of the new law since it was drafted, alleging that it will ‘obstruct’ independence of journalism.

The Editors’ Council said it will “gravely affect journalistic freedoms and seriously curtail democracy in Bangladesh”. Other organisations of journalists reacted similarly.

“I don’t know why our journalists are becoming so sensitive. Why are they getting concerned? Why? I don’t think there is any reason (to react in this manner),” Hasina said.

The Editors’ Council has expressed concerns over the sections 21, 25, 28, 31, 32 and 43.

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 section says a person will face the punishment if they commit a crime mentioned in the Official Secrets Act of 1923 by using computer, digital device, computer network, digital network or any other digital media or help someone else commit such crime.

The punishments for offences under the section are a maximum sentence of 14 years or Tk 2.5 million in fines, or both.

Responding to the journalists’ reaction, Hasina said, “Their voice has not been muffled. They can give their opinions because they have been no restrictions.”

The prime minister said the media had faced obstructions when there had been martial law and illegal takeover of power in Bangladesh.

She also asked the journalists to act responsibly. “Journalism must not aim to instigate conflicts, terrorism and militancy by misleading the people,” she said.

Opposition Jatiya Party’s Fakhrul Imam MP had said during the passage of the law that it would “make the people feel unsafe”.

Another legislator of the party, Shameem Haider Patwary, had said it would run contrary to the freedom of thought and expression mentioned in the constitution.

But Hasina, defending the law on Thursday, said, “We want everyone to enjoy the fruits of the Digital Bangladesh initiative and to be away from its negative sides. That’s the aim of the law. You can’t care about a certain quarter’s interests only.”

“We’ve made the law for the good of the country. We have to provide security to the people, and save society, families. We took these issues into account while making the law. There is nothing to worry about,” she insisted.

A total of 18 Bills were passed in the 10-day parliament session that ended on Thursday.

“We’ve passed many Bills to remove social problems,” Hasina said.