DSA will not be repealed but amendments by September: Law Minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq said on Wednesday that the Digital Security Act will not be repealed but some amendments will be made by September this year, if required.

"I would say unequivocally that the government will not repeal the Digital Security Act under any circumstances, but if necessary, some amendments will be made by September this year," he said.

The Law Minister made the remarks at a discussion titled "Shaping a Future of Rights" organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday (May 3).

The law minister said the government is working to prevent misuse of the Digital Security Act, adding: "I have said before and I am saying even today that this law has been enacted only to prevent cyber crimes."

“Every law will have provisions to protect journalists -- those who do true journalism," he said.

The minister said the “Digital Security Act” is necessary as there is a lack of responsibility among online media and social media users.

“Trust is one of the most important foundations on which print and electronic media have to stand by disseminating objective news and airing quality programmes. To build trust among the people, the responsibility of the media is necessary.”

He said many countries around the world have been enacting laws to protect cyberspace as cyber crime is happening all over the world through these new media platforms.

Referring to the example of cyber security laws in different countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, India, the United States and the European Union, Anisul Huq said the government enacted the “Digital Security Act” in 2018 to prevent cyber crimes.

“Several discussions were held with various stakeholders before enacting the law including the Editors' Council, ATCO, journalists' organizations. The discussion even extended to the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee,” he said.

The minister said the government acknowledged that there have been cases of misuse and abuse of the law adding: “However, as a result of our effective action, that misuse and abuse have been greatly reduced.

“We have taken steps to amend the Digital Security Act to further reduce its misuse and abuse.”

Meanwhile, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the only way to reduce the misuses and abuses of “Digital Security Act” is to repeal the law completely.

Responding to the Law Minister’s statement, Dr Iftekharuzzaman said: “The indiscriminate use and misuse of this law is being used as a tool to violate the fundamental rights of the people along with the freedom of the press.”

“Even if amended or revamped, the law will not reflect the interest of the public. The law should be repealed and a new cybersecurity law should be enacted,” he said.

Human Rights Commission Chairman Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwen Lewis, UNESCO Officer-in-Charge in Bangladesh Susan Vize, Dhaka University Journalism Professor Gitiara Nasreen, Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua and Dhaka Tribune Executive Editor Reaz Ahmad also spoke at the discussion.