Journos won’t face charges if info is correct: Tofail

Journalists will not face charges under the Digital Security Act if the facts even if based on secretly obtained information are reported, said Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, reports bdnews24.com.

"I don't think anyone will face consequences if the report is correct," the minister said on Tuesday after the government cleared the draft law the previous day.

The proposed law incorporates issues addressed in the controversial Section 57 of the ICT Act in an elaborated way.

It keeps provisions of up to 14 years in jail and fines as high as Tk 10 million for offences like hacking and espionage in digital or electronic form as well as for 'propaganda' against the Liberation War and the Father of the Nation.

Speaking to reporters, Tofail claimed the new law 'clarifies' Section 57, formulated by the BNP regime, and that it was done "properly and transparently".

The Digital Security Act says storing and transferring confidential data from government, semi-govt, autonomous organisations in computers, digital devices, digital network or any other electronic form as well as aiding and abetting such efforts will be counted as espionage.

The provision has sparked concerns among rights activists and journalists that it can be effectively used to fend off investigative journalism.

Referring to media reports on lawmakers, Tofail said: "There are many people who try to pass on false information against MPs. In some cases, it stems from inside the party, from the people who seek the party's nomination in an effort to malign them."

On concerns over the proposed law, he assured reporters and said: "Carry on with your job and report facts. For instance, India did not ban rice exports but you reported that it happened. That prompted traders to hike prices. What should we do then?"