Misuse of Digital Security Act declines for govt steps: Anisul

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq today said the 'misuse and abuse' of the Digital Security Act has reduced a lot as the government has taken pragmatic steps regarding this.

"As a result of effective steps taken by the government, the misuse and abuse of the Digital Security Act has reduced a lot," he said.

The minister said these at a round table meeting on 'Digital Security Act Debate' organized by the Editors Guild, Bangladesh at Art Gallery in city's Banani area, a press release said.

He said the government will continue its efforts to stop the misuse and abuse of this law.

The government will also remain vigilant so that the administration could not 'overreact' in implementing this law, he added.

Stating that the similar laws of different countries have been reviewed, the law minister said:"We are still talking about good practices."

"I sat with the Home Minister about this and we agreed that journalists will not be arrested before filing a case under this Act," he said.

He also assured that randomly filed cases will not be accepted.

There is a cell on the ICT Act in the ministry to look into the complaints whether those are under the provisions of the Digital Security Act or just harassment, he said.

The cell will take into account these complaints and see if these fall under any section of the Digital Security Act and then those will be sent to the court or the police station for filing cases, he said.