The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) has recommended making the definition of crime in sections 8 and the process of this law more clear in the draft Cyber Security Act 2023. The clauses are – 8, 21, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32 and 42.
The recommendation was made at a discussion on ‘BFUJ’s Presentation on Cyber Security Act’ at the National Press Club on Tuesday (September 5). Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul read out the observations and recommendations of BFUJ on behalf of the journalist society regarding cyber security act.
While speaking as the chief guest at the event, Law Minister Anisul Haque said that we will take care that the cyber security act does not create obstacles against journalists or journalism. Strict attention will be paid to ensure that there is a check and balance in this regard. That is the most important thing.
Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) organized the event. The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) has proposed that the cyber security act proposed at the event should include a provision to take disciplinary action against him (plaintiff) if he files a false or harassing case.
Three propositions of BFUJ
- In this law, there should be a provision to take action against someone who files a false or harassing case.
- It is proposed to have a journalist or a media expert in the proposal to form a ‘National Cyber Security Agency’ in the draft law. In this, many problems can be avoided at the beginning of the implementation of the law.
- As recommended by BFUJ, the National Cyber Security Council proposes to have a journalist or media expert.
In his speech, the Law Minister assured to seriously consider the proposals of BFUJ.
Anisul Haque said, many commit crimes by posing as journalists. But a real journalist and a crime posing as a journalist are not the same. There is a big difference between them. We all understand that difference, that request will remain. It is our aim that this Act (Cyber Security Act) can be administered well through dialogue with the journalist community.
The Law Minister said that this Bill (Cyber Security Act) will be presented in Parliament today. It will then be sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee. It may be there for four to five days.
Regarding the participation of journalists, the minister said, I spoke with the state minister for ICT yesterday as well. I said that you are also invited there. He (Minister of State) has verbally assured me that he will be in.
Harassment in false cases
Minister said, work is going on to make provision for punishment of plaintiffs in case of harassment with false cases. We are also working on the issue of giving the opposite sentence to the plaintiff if he files a false case. I will finish talking about what needs to be done for this today. This I assured you journalists.
He said that if there is a case, it should be completed within a certain period. I also agree with this demand of journalists. There is cyber tribunal for this, we will take systematic action there.
He also said, “And if I am not wrong, there is a provision in the ICT Act that the case should be completed within a few days.” Even if it is not there, then it is said in this regard from Section 62 of the Cyber Security Act. It will be added somewhere in there. The cases should be concluded quickly and no one should be victimized by this law.
BFUJ president Omar Farooq presided over the discussion meeting. Under the direction of BFUJ Secretary General Dwip Azad, former Information Advisor to the Prime Minister Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former BFU Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, former Dhaka Journalist Union President Quddus Afrad, current President Sohel Haider Chowdhury, General Secretary Aktar Hossain and others spoke.
