Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is cautiously applauding Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Haque’s statement on amending the restraining clauses of the Digital Security Act, acknowledging the delay. At the same time, the organization called for the inclusion of media workers and civil society representatives in the committee set up to review and amend whether the restraining law is in conflict with human rights.
In addition, the TIB has demanded that not only journalists but also ordinary citizens of the country should not be immediately arrested in cases filed under the Digital Security Act to ensure the effectiveness of this policy.
According to media reports, while acknowledging the misuse and abuse of the Digital Security Act, the law minister mentioned the government’s initiative to ensure the best use of the law by following the best practices in the world. In a press release issued at the beginning of the new year, the executive director of TIB, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, “From the very beginning of the enactment of the Digital Security Act, several sections of the Act, especially 25 and 31, were objected to by the media and civil society. It was feared to be a sword against freedom of thought and expression, but the government did not listen. There was no real reflection of the law minister’s promise to stop its misuse. On the contrary, in a short period of time, the law has become an effective tool for suppressing dissent and creating an atmosphere of fear by the ruling party and the administration of the government. In such a reality, it is important to ensure the representation of all stakeholders, especially the media and civil society, in the committee formed to prevent any misuse of the law. Otherwise, the fear of ruining the new venture cannot be ruled out at all.”
“The decision of not arresting journalists immediately, if a case is filed under the Digital Security Act is positive but not inclusive,” said the TIB executive director. As per information we got, under the article19 of the act, 225 cases have been filed in the 11 months of 2021 alone where more than 400 people were accused. Of these, 166 have been detained or arrested. Again, a large part of these cases have been due to the abuse of those in power through social media. In other words, the law has not only silenced the media, but also set a clear precedent for its use in curbing the dissent and criticism of the government. A great example of this is the death of the writer Mushtaq Ahmed who was imprisoned in the case filed under this Act. So not only journalists, but also ordinary citizens need to move away from the policy of immediate arrest under the Digital Security Act.”
At the same time, the decision not to make immediate arrests under the Digital Security Act was reported verbally to the police after discussions between the Home Minister and the Law Minister.