Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Tuesday raised questions over the election-time government's approval of the draft personal data protection act.
TIB expressed 'profound dismay and apprehension' as the cabinet on Monday approved in principle the draft of the law despite the announcement of schedule for the upcoming national election.
It underscored the paramount importance of this legislation and its far-reaching implications, highlighting that the process of soliciting input from the stakeholders during the law formulation has been going on for a long period.
TIB in a statement raised questions regarding the circumstances and motives underpinning the hasty passage of this law by the cabinet amid the ongoing election process.
Although the proposed law has been undergoing positive revisions at various stages following recommendations from various stakeholders, including TIB, the process of incorporating the globally recognised standards into a law with immense implications for citizens has been deliberately halted, the statement noted.
The cabinet's swift and contentious "approval in principle" of the draft law has occurred even before the incorporation of stakeholders' feedback is completed, it said.
TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said: "We submitted a number of recommendations to the relevant ministry, focusing on refining and clarifying the definition of personal data, ensuring judicial oversight for data protection, and establishing an independent supervisory body free from governmental influence.
"However, we are denied the opportunity to ascertain the actual state in which the draft law has received its initial approval, or whether it adequately safeguards public interest or not," he added.
Furthermore, Dr. Zaman highlighted a crucial conflict of interest following the cabinet's decision.
TIB further voiced concern over an excessive reliance on policy ordinances and orders, which could introduce uncertainties in implementing the law itself and potentially lead to undue interference from the executive wing.
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