Government plans to Repeal Cyber Security Act Amid Public Concerns, Says Advisors
The government has announced plans to repeal the controversial Cyber Security Act as quickly as possible. Mohammad Nahid Islam, Adviser to the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology and Broadcasting, stated this, echoing similar sentiments from legal adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul.
During a discussion on amending the Cyber Security Act held on Thursday, October 3, at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in the capital, both advisers expressed concerns about ongoing cases under the existing law. Adviser Nahid Islam highlighted that despite amendments, public apprehension surrounding the act would persist.
He mentioned that participants, including university teachers, lawyers, journalists, and various distinguished individuals present at the event, expressed support for the repealing the act.
In addition, Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that all oppressive laws in the country would be gradually repealed. He also mentioned that steps are being taken to withdraw cases filed under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Citing various examples of the misuse and misapplication of the Digital Security Act, he emphasized that future legislation would include a fundamental clause to ensure citizens' cyber protection. Special provisions would be made for the vulnerabilities of women and children, and consultations with experts on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies would be sought. He underscored the importance of continuing such seminars to address these issues.
The discussion featured prominent figures, including Mohammad Golam Rabbani, Secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice; renowned photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam; Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh Dr. Iftekharuzzaman; Professor Dr. Mohammad Najmuzzaman Bhuiyan from Dhaka University's Law Department; former District and Sessions Judge Ikhtedar Ahmed; senior lawyer Barrister Sara Hossain; Supreme Court lawyer Shishir Monir; Executive Editor of The Dhaka Tribune Riaz Ahmed; General Secretary of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Kader Gani Chowdhury; political analyst and author Dr. Zahedur Rahman; and Khadija-tul-Kobra, one of the victims of the Digital Security Act.
Earlier, on September 30, the Ministry of Law announced in a statement that the government had decided to withdraw cases related to "speech offenses" (freedom of expression) under the Cyber Security Act. It also noted that any individuals currently detained under these cases would be released promptly through legal processes.
