Ensuring free expression of views

It is the responsibility of the government to monitor and take actions against any harassment of individuals or institutions. In this age of information technology, this has become more important when inaccurate and fabricated information about anyone or any company can be shared easily on the internet through social media as well as the mass media.

Very recently, cyber-bullying and trolling on the internet has led to severe consequences across the world. It has even caused suicidal deaths. Such aggression and falsehood need to be curbed. But the precautions do not need to be extreme.

The government recently passed the "Digital Security Act 2018". The Act has provision for severe punishments to anyone found guilty even of spreading the slightest disinformation or falsehood, which, according to many, may discourage people to speak their minds on social media and other public spheres. Most media activists and editors of the media outlets have already expressed their fear on this issue. I would like to urge the government to reconsider some of the clauses in the law and make it flexible so that people can freely express their views and opinions.

Md. Mojammal Hoque

Fatikchachhari, Chattogram

[email protected]