US pushes Bangladesh to consider changes in new Digital Security Act

The United States says it shares the concerns of the international community that the recently passed Digital Security Act could be used to suppress and criminalise free speech, all to the detriment of Bangladesh’s democracy, development and prosperity. 

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 30 Sept 2018, 06:59 PM
Updated : 30 Sept 2018, 06:59 PM

“We welcome Information Minister Inu's offer to meet with media representatives to discuss their concerns about the DSA,” Ambassador Marcia Berniat said in a statement. 

“We encourage the government of Bangladesh to consider changes to the law that would bring it into conformity with the Bangladesh Constitution and with Bangladesh’s international commitments on human, civil and political rights.”

After a meeting with media representatives on the law on Sunday, Law Minister Anisul Huq said the cabinet will discuss the complaints of the Editors’ Council regarding nine sections of the Act.

The government will meet with the Editors’ Council again after the discussion, he said.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu and Telecommunication and Information Technology Minister Mustafa Jabbar were present at the meeting.

The Editors’ Council, along with several media organisations, objected to the numerous sections of the new law that curb the freedom of expression and threaten independent journalism.

Ignoring their protests, the parliament passed the bill on Sept 19.

The council had called a protest programme for Sept 29 stating that the bill brings ‘serious threats to the freedom of expression and media operations’. They called off the protests after the government announced the discussion.