Digital Security Act to be amendments: Law Minister

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq today said some amendments will be brought to much-talked-about Digital Security Act (DSA) once its review is completed.

"...we will do it to ensure that the misuse is minimized. I have personally intervened in some cases to ensure that the DSA is not misused. However, I understand that we need a durable solution," Anisul said.

The law minister said these while addressing as chief guest a dialogue on 'Digital Laws and Freedom of Opinion in Bangladesh' at BRAC University Conference Room this noon. The function was jointly organized by the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator and BRAC University.

Chaired by UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis, the dialogue was also addressed by lawmaker Ahsan Adelur Rahman, BRAC University pro-vice chancellor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul and Prof Dr Kaberi Gayen, among others.

"Let me clarify that DSA was not enacted to curb freedom of expression or to control the media, nor is DSA being used to do so. Let me also say that the government is not going to allow blatant misuse of digital space, to defame the country, the government or any individual. All countries are governing digital space as it is the need of the hour," Anisul Huq added.

The law minister reiterated that the DSA cases are being reviewed before arresting the accused and there is a cell in place in this regard.

"If anything gets slipped through, I personally take care of the issue. There is also a tendency of exaggeration in terms of misuse of the act. We have formed a committee comprising government officials to find out the laws like the DSA in other countries and their best practice. They have asked to make suggestions for reviewing the DSA to make it compatible with those laws." he further said.