Minister hints at provision in Digital Security Act to safeguard reporting

FE Team | Published: February 07, 2018 00:05:47

Amid criticism over the proposed Digital Security Act, which activists say can be used to stifle the media, Law Minister Anisul Huq said they would add a provision to 'safeguard investigative journalism', reports bdnews24.com.
Speaking at an event with members of the media on Tuesday, the law minister said the specific provision was 'not meant to target reporters'.
"If needed, a sub-section will be included in Section 32 for the sake of public interest and to safeguard investigative journalism," said Huq.
The proposed law's Section 32 defines storing and transferring confidential government data as well as aiding and abetting such efforts as espionage.
It keeps provisions of up to 14 years in jail and fines as high as Tk 2.5 million for such offences.
Last week, the cabinet green-lighted the draft of the Digital Security Act 2018, which incorporates issues addressed in the controversial Section 57 of the ICT Act in an elaborated way. Section 57 criminalises 'publication of fake, obscene or defaming information in electronic form'.
An offence under this provision of the Act is punishable by at least seven years to a maximum 14 years' imprisonment. Fine can be as much as Tk 10 million.
Journalists and rights activists say it can be effectively used to muzzle freedom of speech and the media.
Referring to the concerns, Huq was asked at an event by Law Reporters' Forum that whether the government will drop Section 32. "The Digital Security Act law defines different types of offences. The offences stipulated in Section 32 are covered by the Penal Code."
Assuring the media, the minister said the law was not meant to target journalists.
"Report facts and you won't be charged under Section 32."
He even went on to promise that if a reporter is prosecuted for investigative journalism, then he will represent him in court.