In order to provide digital security to the people of the country, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Dr. Hasan Mahmud has urged everyone to be aware so that the Digital Security Act is not misapplied. He also said that the government is wary of promoting freedom of expression through this law.
On the other hand, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that an average of 2244 crimes are committed in the cyber world every day. Apart from cyber security of our citizens, the security in digital financial sector too will be ensured by forming Finsert soon.
The two ministers made the remarks at a meeting held at the Radisson Blu Garden in the capital on Tuesday on the impact and reality of the Digital Security Act 2018.
The chief guest said Dr. Hasan Mahmud said that attempts are being made to destabilize the country through social media. In order to protect all the citizens of the country from such a situation, digital security laws have been enacted like other countries of the world. The law is made parallel to India and Pakistan. There are even stricter laws in different countries than ours. However, the government is careful about its misapplication.
He added that in European countries, the platform is fined if someone gives false information, spreads rumors or does someone’s character assassination through social media. We also have to think about it.
The Minister further said that the Digital Security Act is for the security of all the people of Bangladesh. This law has been enacted in almost all the countries of the world. This law has been enacted to provide security to housewives, farmers, students, writers, intellectuals, journalists, employees and businessmen.
On the other hand, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak said that security is not a costly issue, it is an invaluable alternative to legislation to stop anarchy in the name of ‘freedom of expression’.
In his words, the Digital Security Act 2018 is being formulated and implemented to ensure the security of the citizens and the state. The protection and dignity of the citizen is being enhanced under this Act by ensuring freedom of speech of the individual.
Palak added that the freedom of expression is often abused in the country by taking advantage of free connectivity through the internet. Millions of people have suffered so much. So, the need for digital security laws is undeniable for the security of digital life as in real life. In fact, cyber security is a fundamental right of citizens, not a secondary issue.
Among others, Attorney General Abu Muhammad Amin Uddin and Bangladesh Awami League Joint Publicity Secretary Aminul Islam Amin spoke in that program.
Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Curzon of Dhaka University, Supreme Court Advocate Barrister Ali Asif Khan Rajib on social crime and SM Saifullah Rahman, a technology and legal expert on individual level crime trends, presented the keynote address.
The meeting was organized by a joint venture of Monthly Diplomat and Celtron.