Bangladesh and the United States on Sunday discussed updating the Digital Security Act (DSA) so that it prevents cybercrime without curtailing the freedom of speech or independence of the press.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas met Law Minister Anisul Huq to discuss areas of mutual cooperation and the importance of ensuring freedom of expression, reports UNB.
The envoy said that the US was looking forward to the amendments to the DSA, and to partnering with Bangladesh to advance human rights, labour freedom, and democracy.
Bangladesh and the United States celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.
Earlier, the minister on several occasions said that the government was considering a revision of the DSA to avoid misuse.
Following the uproar over writer Mushtaq Ahmed’s death in detention, Anisul last year said that the government was planning to take measures so that no one can be arrested under the DSA until police investigate the allegations first.
In late last year, he said that journalists cannot be arrested immediately after the filing of a DSA case, issuing a warning against those who misuse or abuse it.
The minister added that the law was not enacted to muzzle freedom of speech or freedom of the press.
