The Digital Security Act (DSA) contravenes the existing international instruments on human rights signed by Bangladesh, ARTICLE 19 South Asia Regional Director Faruq Faisel said.
The regional director of the human rights organization was speaking at a roundtable discussion themed “Digital Security Law Debate” organized by the Editors Guild Bangladesh at the Dhaka Gallery on Sunday, said a media statement.
The event was moderated by the Editors Guild Bangladesh President and Editor-in-Chief of Ekattor Television Mozammel Babu while Law Minister Anisul Huq spoke at the discussion.
Faruq Faisel said: ‘‘The Digital Security Act (DSA)-2018 contravenes the existing international instruments on human rights signed by Bangladesh. This law allows the arrest of anyone without prior permission from the court and without giving an opportunity for self-defense of the accused.
“Even most of the provisions of DSA are non-bailable, which is a violation of a person's fundamental human rights. Since its enactment, DSA has not been able to ensure the digital security of the public although it has served the government to suppress dissent,” he added.
At the event, Faruq Faisel said: ‘Everyone must have the right to express their opinion and know without fear. However, at the same time, it is also important that hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation must be tackled and cannot be spread. There should be a fact-checking system installed in the media and made available for the public's safety.''
‘‘DSA has not been able to install any assurance in public that it can ensure the security of digital transactions. Even in the cases like heist of reserves from Bangladesh Bank, it has been of no use'', he added.
Expressing concern over the implementation of the proposed three legislations including the Personal Data Protection bill 2021, Regulation for Digital, Social Media, and OTT Platforms 2021, and Over the Top (OTT) Content-Based Service Provider and Administration Policy 2021, Faruq Faisel said, these regulations will further shrink the scope of civil rights in digital space, and will essentially establish government control over social media and people's data.
He reiterated ARTICLE 19's call for amending the controversial sections of the DSA.
Speaking at the event, Law Minister Anisul Huq said: ‘‘DSA is not meant to curb freedom of speech or freedom of the press. As a result of the effective action taken by the government, the misuse of this law has now been greatly reduced. The government remains vigilant to stop any abuses of DSA and will continue to be the same in the future.”
Among others, Editors Guild Joint Secretary Syed Ishtiaque Reza, Human rights activist advocate ZI Khan Panna, Cultural personality Nasiruddin Yousuff Bachchu, Prothom Alo Joint Editor Sohrab Hasan, Additional Inspector General of Bangladesh Police Md Harun-Ar- Rashid and Filmmaker Kamar Ahmad Simon also spoke at the event.