Steps will be Taken Soon to Reform Cyber Security Act: Dr. Asif Nazrul

Dr. Asif Nazrul, Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, announced that steps will soon be taken to reform the country's cyber security act. He made this statement on Sunday, September 29, during a discussion session organized by the Information Rights Forum and Manusher Jonno Foundation at the NGO Affairs Bureau.

As the chief guest, Dr. Nazrul emphasized the need for reforms in the Cyber Security Act 2023, stating, "There is a necessity to reform the Cyber Security Act, and steps will be taken soon in this regard. I will work with the ministry on this issue."

The discussion, titled "The Role of NGOs in Establishing Transparency and Accountability in Governance through Information Rights," was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB); Sayedur Rahman, Director General of the NGO Affairs Bureau; Sish Haider Chowdhury, Secretary of the Department of Information and Communication Technology; and Md. Abu Sayed, Director General-1 of the Prime Minister's Office.

During the session, Shahin Anam, Convenor of the Information Rights Forum, highlighted that in 2005, a survey was conducted by Manusher Jonno Foundation to assess the state of information rights in Bangladesh. The Information Rights Forum was formed as a result, involving intellectuals, human rights activists, teachers, legal experts, journalists, and NGOs.

Anam pointed out that most information requests in rural areas pertain to social safety nets and service-related issues. However, requests for information on important national matters and public policy decisions at the national level are often overlooked, hindering the potential impact of the Right to Information Act (RTI) in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Anam further stated that the Information Commission, despite being an independent institution, has yet to play a significant role in holding the government and democratic institutions accountable. Many authorities still fail to provide accurate and timely information despite official directives, discouraging the public from using the RTI law.

The forum presented several recommendations, including:

1. Expansion of the Information Rights Forum: Review the scope of the forum’s activities and extend its organizational efforts across the country, with a national conference to produce a declaration involving all stakeholders.
2. Raising Public Awareness: Authorities, both government and non-government, should take active steps to raise awareness about the purpose and benefits of the RTI Act, including its incorporation into all NGO activities.
3. Enhancing Competency: Provide training for government and NGO officials on the RTI Act to facilitate the effective provision of information and proper implementation of the law.
4. Digitization of Information: Improve information management by ensuring the necessary technology and equipment for effective implementation of the RTI Act.
5. Ensuring Transparency and Accountability: Implement proper oversight measures to ensure compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act in both government and NGO sectors, ensuring proactive disclosure and publication of information.
6. Resolving Information-Related Complaints: The Information Commission must be sensitive to public demands for information and take action against authorities that delay or withhold information.
7. Digital Access to Information: Simplify access to information by implementing digital platforms through which the public can request information online and receive it easily.

This initiative aims to improve governance through transparency, accountability, and the proper dissemination of public information, as outlined by the Right to Information Act.