Among the biggest criticisms aimed at the previous Awami League regime was how it weaponized cyber laws to silence any and all forms of dissent.
While such laws are extremely important for safeguarding citizens in the digital space -- which continues to become more ubiquitous at an exponential rate -- the previous regime did little for the people in this regard.
To that end, it is disappointing to see that as far as the draft of the Cyber Protection Ordinance-2024 is concerned, many continue to find fault in it, insisting that it still leaves room for those in power to harass the public while compromising their rights.
In addition, that the present government has failed to take meaningful action on dismissing cases filed under the previous regime’s Cyber Security Act is also cause for concern.
Indeed, the opaqueness with which the Awami League operated, seldom discussing with relevant stakeholders and especially the general public, received widespread criticism, and we are surprised that some of these same criticisms are now being directed at the current administration.
For too long, our laws and policies -- not just in the cyber space but in general -- have not been viewed through the lens of the public and keeping their best interests in mind. As this government continues the task of correcting the wrongs of the previous regime, it must do everything possible to have clarity and shun ambiguity, especially with regard to drafting laws.
As such, we hope that the relevant authorities pay heed to the concerns being expressed, and rethink how our cyber laws are being redrafted. We have had decades of silencing using these draconian measures, and cannot afford to go down the same path again.