Revoke ‘suppressive’ sections of Digital Security Bill: TIB

Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB) has called upon the government to repeal the 'suppressive' sections of the Digital Security Bill 2018 passed recently in parliament amid opposition from different quarters.

Besides, TIB has also demanded that the entire law be reviewed as the digital security bill has apparently become a law that goes against the freedom of expression and speech guaranteed by the constitution and spirit of the Liberation War.

The Bangladesh chapter of the Berlin-based anti-graft watchdog expressed its concern over the Digital Security Bill through a press note on Tuesday.

Despite considering the Editors Council's September 30 meeting with the government representatives a positive move, the platform expressed doubt whether the meeting could remove people's fear about the Digital Security Bill.

Earlier, three ministers sat with the Editors' Council, a platform of editors of the country's national dailies, where Law Minister Anisul Haque pledged to amend some of the sections of the Digital Security Bill to make it acceptable for all.

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said in the press note "We believe that the meeting between Editors' Council and ministers-advisers of the government is a positive step to address the concern regarding the Digital Security Bill."

But, dialogue after passing the bill in parliament in a hurry ignoring recommendations from the bodies concerned is a matter of concern, he added.

Partial review of the bill could not remove fear and insecurity of the people as there are so many sections in the Digital Security Bill which restrict media freedom, stand against the spirit of the Liberation War and go against the country's constitution.

TIB observed that there is no alternative to review of the entire bill in order to formulate a law in accordance with the country's constitution and keeping the thought of the Liberation War.

On September 19, parliament passed the bill despite opposition from and serious concern of journalists and rights bodies.

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