A growing concern over the exposure of private information has led to calls for internet access to be recognized as a fundamental right in Bangladesh. The Mobile Phone Subscribers’ Association and industry experts highlighted these issues at a seminar titled “Inclusion of Internet and Data Security in the Constitution as a Fundamental Right” held at the Sagar-Runi Hall of the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on Wednesday.
The seminar was presided over by Mohiuddin Ahmed, President of the Mobile Phone Subscribers’ Association. Discussions featured insights from technology analysts Fahim Mashroor and Tanvir Hasan Zoha, IIJAB President Aminul Haque, ISPAB Joint Secretary Md. Abdul Qayum Rashid, former Competition Commission Director Khalid Abu Nasr, and political analyst Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad, among others.
During his address, Aminul Haque underscored the dependence on internet connectivity for education and healthcare, arguing that it must be recognized as a fifth basic right in addition to existing constitutional guarantees. He criticized monopolistic practices in broadband infrastructure, calling for government reclamation of public assets currently under private control.
Fahim Mashroor called for greater accountability in data protection and questioned the justification behind intrusive practices like phone tapping. He also noted that eliminating multi-layered barriers could reduce internet costs by 25%. He expressed concerns about regulatory gaps that allow for breaches of personal data security.
Audience member and TIPYAP member Didarul Alam assured attendees that internet and mobile call charges are expected to decrease soon. However, he emphasized the need for systemic reforms to address loopholes exploited for financial gain.
Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuaad urged the professionalization of the internet business sector, highlighting corruption and political exploitation. He proposed transforming these ventures into corporately regulated entities, ensuring transparency and reducing unlawful revenue streams.
In his closing remarks, Mohiuddin Ahmed cited Article 43(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees the confidentiality of communications, to emphasize the urgent need for explicit provisions safeguarding digital data in the age of advanced technology. “As traditional correspondence has shifted to email, WhatsApp, and other digital platforms, protecting citizens’ information must be a constitutional mandate,” he concluded.
The seminar served as a clarion call for legislative reforms to protect citizens’ data, ensure affordability of internet services, and establish digital privacy as a fundamental human right.
