Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), has called for the immediate repeal of the Cybersecurity Law, arguing that the law is beyond revision and has been used as a tool of authoritarian control. Speaking at a roundtable organized by the digital rights organizations “Digital Rights” and “Nagorik” at the National Press Club on October 8th, he emphasized that those harmed by the law should be compensated, and accountability should be ensured for those who misused it. He further stressed the importance of holding not just the perpetrators but also those who gave the orders accountable.
At the event titled “A Repealable Cybersecurity Law: Public Expectations,” Dr. Iftekharuzzaman expressed his concern that while individuals may change, institutional practices have not evolved, and that this is where reform must begin. He acknowledged the necessity of intelligence agencies for national security but criticized the entrenched practices within these agencies that compromise transparency and accountability.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman also pointed out that the term “cybersecurity” should not be included in any future laws, regardless of how well-intentioned they may be, as laws like the Digital Security Act and Cybersecurity Act have created insecurity under the guise of protection.
Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, who was also present at the discussion, highlighted the widespread harassment inflicted under the pretext of cybersecurity, noting that legal action was taken not only during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina but also during the current situation involving Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Sheikh Manjur-E-Alam, Regional Director for Article 19 South Asia, stated that the culture of harassment remains a key issue, arguing that the primary intent behind the current cybersecurity laws is to intimidate, not ensure security. He stressed the need for future laws to be free from provisions that could lead to further harassment.
Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, Head of Programs and Communications at MRDI, warned that failing to separate discussions on national security from cybersecurity could lead to even greater infringements on fundamental rights.
The roundtable discussion was attended by prominent figures including photographer and human rights activist Shahidul Alam, and Chief Coordinator of the State Reform Movement, Hasnat Kaiyum. Various human rights activists, women’s leaders, and professionals from different sectors also shared their views.
