Staff Reporter :
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) in a statement on Thursday said, Digital Security Act is a threat to the freedom of speech and security of the citizens.
TIB said, the proposed ‘Digital Security Act 2018’ is contradictory to the constitutional rights, freedom of speech and opinion. It also violates the International Convention on the freedom of speech and rights of the people.
TIB says that the government should reform all the controversial clauses of the law after consultation with law experts and partners immediately.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “It will push the people and their rights guaranteed by the Constitution rather to risk, instead of ensuring, freedom of speech and expression.”
Dr Iftekhar said “It is the updated version of Section III of the Official Secrecy Act of 1923 on the spying. The law has inserted many clauses in the proposed Digital Security Act under Section-32. The misappropriation of the proposed law, TIB feared, would hinder rights ensured by the Right to Information Act 2009. He said that the possibility of disclosure of true information through the internet and social media will face hindrances if the proposed digital security law is approved in the parliament. The practice of democratic and fundamental rights will be hampered which will be the suicidal approach for the country’s democratic advancement, TIB added.
TIB feared massive misuse of the proposed law by investigation officers as it has given them the power to check anyone without any warrant and arrest.
Earlier on January 29, the Cabinet approved the draft of the Digital Security Act-2018.
