Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) believes that the Cyber Security Act (CSA) has been enacted in 2023 with nominal changes to the Digital Security Act (DSA). According to the anti-corruption body TIB, the CSA in its new guise is as restrictive as the DSA, largely undemocratic and stifling freedom of expression.
These issues were highlighted at a press conference titled ‘Proposed Cyber Security Regulations, 2024: Review and Recommendations’ jointly organized by TIB and Article 19 at Midas Center in the capital on Thursday (June 13).
In a press conference held at TIB’s Dhanmondi office, the review and recommendation letter of Cyber Security Act, 2024 proposed on behalf of the two organizations was presented by its drafter, Dhaka University Associate Professor Kazi Mahfuzul Haque Supon. In addition, the executive director of TIB Dr. Iftekharuzzaman; Advisor, executive management professor Dr. Sumaiya Khair and Article Nineteen’s Regional Director (Bangladesh and South Asia) Sheikh Manzoor-e-Alam were present. The press conference was moderated by TIB Outreach and Communication Department Director Mohammad Tauhidul Islam.
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director said that in some cases there has been a change from DSA to CSA. Iftekharuzzaman said, however, they are not a substantive change. The Cyber Security Act is the successor of the earlier Digital Security Act.
Stating that there was an evolutionary trend in the digital security act, he said, “I see it as a tool to control the rights of the people of the country, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of information, freedom of journalism, the unrestricted freedom of expression using information technology”.
Before approving the proposed regulations, the cyber security act needs to be amended as a prerequisite, Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, it is essential to involve the civil society, journalist society along with related experts.
The TIB’s proposals in this regard include- creating an effective and meaningful organizational structure of the National Cyber Security Agency, enriching the existing forensic lab with modern equipment, software and manpower instead of establishing a new Digital Forensic Lab, National Cyber Security Agency, National Cyber Incident Response Team and Inclusion of human rights protection provisions in the proposed regulations so that the human rights of citizens are not violated in the activities of digital forensic labs.
The suggestion also calls for specifying minimum personal, educational and technical qualification requirements for officers and employees of various cyber security agencies and including legal procedures for collection of digital evidence from within and outside the country.
