DHAKA: Editors' Council has formed a human chain in front of the Jatiya Press Club in city to press for amendments to nine sections of the newly enacted Digital Security Act.

The platform of editors of the country's national dailies formed the human chain on Monday (October 15) morning.

The Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam said: “Sections 8, 21, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32, 43, and 53 of the Digital Security Act must be amended to safeguard freedom of the media and freedom of expression. The amendments must take place in the last session of the current national parliament.”

Besides, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Bangladesh Protidin Editor Naem Nizam, Kaler Kantho Editor Imdadul Haq Milon, Jugantar Editor Saiful Alam, Manabjamin Editor Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, Sangbad Acting Editor Khandaker Muniruzzaman, Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Datta and Samakal Acting Editor Mustafiz Shafi, among others, joined the human chain program.

Amid concerns from various quarters, the Digital Security Act was passed in parliament earlier on September 19. President Abdul Hamid signed the Digital Security Bill into law later on October 8.  

Law minister, information minister, posts, telecommunications and IT minister sat in a meeting with the council to discuss the proposed sections in order to find a solution on September 30.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at a press conference held earlier at Ganabhaban, said: “They’ve nothing to fear, those who do not have minds of culprits. The law has been formulated to prevent rumors that circulate in social networking sites.”

On October 13, Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamol Datta at a press conference said: The three ministers did not keep their words. We’re disappointed and outraged about the pass of the draconian Digital Security Bill which is anti-free speech, anti-freedom of press, anti-freedom of expression.”

BDST: 1220 HRS, OCT 15, 2018

AH/SMS