BASIS calls for repealing CSA

Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) on Friday urged the interim government to repeal or substantially amend the Cyber Security Act (CSA), 2023.
The act continues the repressive measures of the Digital Security Act (DSA), 2018 and the previously existing Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act, (ICT) 2006, both of which are contrary to the country's constitution and pose a severe threat to human rights, according to a press release by BASIS.
BASIS Director M Asif Rahman raised the issue at their general meeting, where it was unanimously decided that they would initiate discussions on the matter with the interim government.
The CSA 2023 has frequently been used to target journalists, human rights activists, and dissenting voices, despite legislators' repeated justifications for its enactment.
BASIS Director M Asif Rahman, said, "The CSA, 2023 retains many of the provisions of the DSA, granting authorities excessive powers to search, arrest, and detain individuals without warrants. This law enables government control over online content and infringes on freedom of speech."
BASIS also urged the interim government to release of individuals detained under this law and sought the withdrawal of all charges against them.
BASIS President Russell T. Ahmed said, "Based on my recent experiences, I can say that this law is often misused. To end the suppression of dissent and comply with international human rights standards, this law must be repealed."

[email protected]