'Repressive' clauses in CSA concern DRU

The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has voiced its deep concern over some 'repressive' clauses in the newly-enacted 'Cyber Security Act (CSA) 2023'.

In a statement on Friday, DRU president Mursalin Nomani and general secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel protested the 'repressive' clauses on behalf of the DRU committee.

Earlier on September 10, DRU leaders demanded an amendment to 'suppressive' clauses of the CSA.

On Wednesday, parliament passed the Cyber Security Bill amid protests from different local and global rights organisations and media networks.

Even the opposition lawmakers labelled it as nothing but putting old wine in a new bottle.

The DRU said, "The government decided to scrap the DSA and enact the CSA after the strong protest from journalists' community," it added.

"We have been demanding to repeal some 'repressive' sections in the DSA since the enactment of the law."

Both the leaders said the law was passed in parliament ignoring concerns, opinions and suggestions of the stakeholders, so it will not be acceptable to the journalist community in any way.

Before the law was passed, they strongly demanded scrapping all 'restrictive' clauses, including article 42 regarding powers of police to arrest, search and seize without warrant.

Earlier on August 07, the government decided to scrap the controversial Digital Security Act (DSA) 2018.

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