DHAKA: Civil society platform Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Shujan) has expressed concern over some retrogressive sections of the Digital Security Act passed in the parliament recently.

Shujan also demanded cancellation and revision of the sections which can be used as a harassment tools against people and the press.

In a statement sent to media on Saturday (Sep 22), Shujan said that it believes Sections 8, 28, 29 and 31 of the law are retrogressive and can be used to harass citizens and also to stifle the media.

“Under this law, anyone can be searched, seized or arrested by police without warrant or approval. So we believe police can harass commoners by misusing the law. Moreover, there is also a fear of creating corruption-friendly environment as Section 32 of this law incorporated the British era Officials Secrets Act 1932 in case of dealing with digital espionage,” the statements said.      

In the statements, Shujan President M Hafizuddin Khan and Secretary Dr. Badiul Alam said, “We have seen that hundreds of people have been forcefully arrested under the previous Information Technology Act (ICT) in last six years which was widely criticized in home and abroad. That is why civil society, human rights bodies and media raised voice over the Digital Security Act passed in JS but the government did not pay any heed to them. Rather it integrated the controversial Section 57 of the ICT Act disjointedly into several sections (25, 28, 29 and 31) of the new law.”

Shujan also said that it believes people have the right to dissent on any issues in a civilized democratic country. So it is unfortunate that such law is being passed in our country despite having the freedom of expression right ensured by the constitution. 

“We believe this law is against the fundamental rights of citizens. It will shrink the democratic extent, stifle freedom of expression and create insecurity among citizens. We, on behalf of Shujan, are strongly demanding cancellation of the retrogressive sections of the law and demanding revision.”

Finally, Shujan also urged the President to not sign the bill and sent it back to the parliament for review.

BDST: 1955 HRS, SEP 22, 2018
AP/SMS