EU reiterates concern over ‘black’ digital law

লিখেছেন লিখেছেন নুর হুসাইন ২৭ সেপ্টেম্বর, ২০১৮, ০৪:১৮:৪৩ বিকাল

The European Union has reiterated its concerns over the Digital Security Act, 2018; what has been labelled as a threat to freedom of expression.

In a joint statement issued today, the EU said the law can potentially be used to suppress and criminalise legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and freedom of the media.

They called upon government to continue talks with stakeholders to align the law with universal declaration of human rights as well as the constitution of Bangladesh.

Signatories of the statement are ambassador of the EU and ambassadors of Italy, Spain, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Norway and Switzerland.

Rights activists have termed the Digital Security Act, 2018, which was passed in parliament on September 19, as a “black law” that threatens the media and expression of freedom.Mahfuz Anam, general secretary of Editors' Council; Mozammel Babu, vice-president of Association of Television Channel Owners; and Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, former president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists in a statement said a parliamentary standing committee submitted its recommendations before the parliament without holding a promised meeting with them.

As a result, the recommendations do not properly reflect the opinions of the journalist community, said the statement.

Even though some of the recommendations of the journalists were included in the bill, it didn't ensure protection of the media personnel.

Existence of Right to Information Act beside Official Secrets Act is conflicting, it added.

By enabling the police to exercise unfettered power, obstructing independent journalism has been made easy.

“From past experience, we are concerned over the misuse of the law,” it read.

They recommended ridding the act of inconsistencies, ensuring that the act is not misused to shrink the space for freedom of speech and independent journalism, and protecting mass media and journalists.

“We think, there is opportunity to make the act acceptable to all through discussions and ridding it of inconsistencies when framing the rules to enforce the act.”

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