Speakers at a programme said that the digital rights of Bangladesh's citizens are under threat, with personal information of nearly 60 million people reportedly compromised and circulating freely online.
They said allegations have emerged that a foreign company, engaged by the previous ousted government, facilitated the sale of this data, while private firms have also gained access through official channels. They also called for the internet to be recognised as a fundamental right and urged the government to ensure robust data protection mechanisms.
They were addressing a seminar titled "Inclusion of internet as a basic right in constitution and data privacy" organised by the Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association (BMPCA) at the Sagar-Runi Hall of Dhaka Reporters Unity on Wednesday.
Speakers painted a stark picture of the challenges facing citizens in the digital age, with participants unanimously calling for immediate action.
They highlighted the need for the interim government to corporatize the internet and cable TV sectors to reduce political interference and ensure transparency.
Recognising the internet as a basic right and implementing stringent data protection measures were identified as critical steps in safeguarding citizens' digital futures.
The BMPCA, in particular, stressed that the government's responsibility extends beyond providing access to technology.
They said it must also ensure that these platforms are secure and affordable, enabling every citizen to participate in a rapidly digitizing world without fear of exploitation.
Speaking at the meeting, BMPCA President Mohiuddin Ahmed led discussions on these pressing issues, alongside experts and stakeholders from the telecommunications and technology sectors.
Mr Ahmed emphasised the urgent need to safeguard personal information in the digital age.
He pointed out that while Article 43(b) of the Constitution guarantees privacy of correspondence, the rapid advancement of technology has rendered current legal protections inadequate. Citizens' data is now vulnerable to exploitation by hackers, scammers, and even state or private institutions, he argued.
Ahmed called for constitutional amendments to explicitly include provisions for data protection in digital formats, citing the critical need for stronger legal frameworks.
Technical analyst Fahim Mashroor added his voice to the discussion, slamming the government's role in enabling monopolies in the technology sector.
He highlighted how state-backed policies, such as granting exclusive rights to NTTN operators, have led to inflated internet costs and limited competition.
Mashroor proposed reforms to reduce internet costs by at least 25 per cent, while also questioning the legality and rationale behind continued surveillance practices, including phone tapping.
He expressed surprise at the persistence of such policies and demanded the dissolution of the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC), which has been widely criticised for its surveillance activities.
International Internet Gateway Association of Bangladesh President Aminul Hakim emphasised that in today's world, almost everything relies on the internet.
He argued that to uphold the fourth and fifth fundamental rights of citizens, it is essential to recognize the internet as a fundamental right as well.
Citing examples like the Bangladesh Bank and the National ID system, Hakim stressed the importance of ensuring the security of personal data online.
He called on the government to take responsibility by presenting well-reasoned proposals and implementing effective measures to protect citizens' digital information.
Joining the conversation, Didarul Alam, a member of the advocacy group Rashtrachinta, highlighted the broader societal implications of data insecurity and excessive surveillance.
He argued that constitutional loopholes must be addressed to prevent oppressive practices and stressed the need for a mass movement to ensure affordable internet access.
Alam warned of the increasing role of third parties in perpetuating such issues, urging citizens and policymakers alike to take collective responsibility in combating these challenges.
Political analyst Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad brought a critical economic perspective to the discussion, pointing out the staggering financial losses caused by internet shutdowns.
He cited 15-day disruption during the uprising that reportedly cost the country $10 billion.
Fuad lambasted political parties for their inability to prioritize internet governance and data protection, remarking that the misuse of the digital space has become a lucrative avenue for corruption.
Calling for reforms, he urged stakeholders to "speak the language of politics, not technology," and emphasised the importance of intelligent, inclusive policymaking over manipulative tactics.
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