Post, Telecommunications and ICT minister Mustafa Jabbar said on Wednesday that the government would not pass the proposed Digital Security Act, 2018 without addressing the concerns of the media professionals.
“The government is not out to harm media and journalists’ freedom. Because without press freedom we cannot ensure a safe social environment in an era of digital media,” he told a discussion held at National Press Club. “The proposed act is meant for controlling digital crimes. Not to curtail freedom of the press.”
Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) organized the discussion with supports from Fojo Media Institute and Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI) on the occasion of World Press freedom Day.
“We have already held our first meeting to look into the provisions that are facing criticism from media professionals. Another meeting will be held for further scrutiny,” Jabbar said.
“One thing I can tell you all that we will not do anything that will ignore people’s concerns, and the suggestions of the media people will be heeded,” the minister said. “We will uphold the constitutional rights of the people.”
Presenting a keynote paper barrister Tanjib-ul Alam said Section 32 of the proposed digital law would create an oppressive environment for free and fair journalism as well as the freedom of expression.
He said because of the Section 32 that deals with so-called “digital espionage”, freedom of expression, thought and conscience will be at stake.
“The provision for punishment for such offence is 14 years in jail. This is too much,” he said.
Abdul Qaiyum, associate editor of daily Prothom Alo and a senior member of the CJA, Bhorer Kagaj editor and Bangladesh chapter CJA’s general secretary Shyamal Dutta were among others present while Abdur Rahman Khan, a senior journalist and CJA vice president, chaired the discussion.
The minister said the proposed digital security act is now pending with the Parliamentary Standing Committee of his ministry for vetting.
Cabinet on January 29 approved the draft of Digital Security Act.
