Digital Security Act 2018
Cyber Security Act and the fear of history repeating itself
No one would have any objection if a cybersecurity law was enacted to deal with cybercrimes without infringing freedom of speech.
Awami League wants us to love DSA. It’s too late now
While the manner in which the DSA is being defended is nothing new, the timing bears significance
Is the Data Protection Act an extension of DSA?
Over the past several months, efforts have been afoot to frame a data protection law in Bangladesh.
International Day of Democracy 2022 / Democracy facing an existential struggle
It is a matter of great misfortune, as well as of disappointment and uncertainty, that democracy in Bangladesh is practically absent now.
UN rights chief’s visit: Conflicting expectations and a hope for positive change
UN human rights chief's visit to Dhaka revealed contrasting expectations on the part of the government and rights groups.
Thoughts on Sajid’s and Sourodip’s victory
Two university students have made Bangladesh the first Asian country to win the World Universities Debating Championships. Will this stunning rhetorical feat spark the spirit of debate in our society?
World Press Freedom Day: Speak now or forever hold your tongue
Essentially, if someone expresses a critical view of the achievement of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, or the country’s relationship with another nation in a Facebook status, or even in a private message between friends on WhatsApp, that individual could be subjected to criminal punishment under the DSA, intrusive surveillance under the data protection law, or censorship under the digital, social media and OTT platform regulations.
Digital Security Act may have led to some excesses: Momen tells Washington
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said there might have been excesses while enforcing the Digital Security Act, "but the government is now very careful to make sure the law is not abused".
3 Meherpur journos sued under Digital Security Act
Three journalists of a local newspaper in Meherpur have been sued under the Digital Security Act.
President approves Digital Security Act
President Abdul Hamid yesterday signed the Digital Security Bill into law amid widespread criticism that it curbs freedom of speech and expression and media freedom guaranteed by the constitution. President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin confirmed this to The Daily Star yesterday afternoon.
'Govt has deceived editors'
BNP yesterday slammed the government for formulating the much-debated Digital Security Act, saying the law's enactment reflected the government's intention to fortify its “illegitimate rule” and curb freedom of speech.
What they think
Journalists will have to go through difficult times as the Digital Security Bill has turned into a law without addressing our grave concerns.
An attempt to justify illegitimate activities: Speakers
The government formulated Digital Security Bill in an attempt to “justify its illegitimate activities”, speakers said at a meeting yesterday.
Digital Security Bill sent to president
The much-debated Digital Security Bill 2018 was sent to the office of President Abdul Hamid yesterday for his assent, said sources at the Parliament Secretariat and the Bangabhaban.
No false news, no worries
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said journalists who do not publish false news need not worry about the Digital Security Bill, 2018. “If anybody doesn't have any criminal mindset or any plan to commit an offence, then there's nothing for him to be worried about,” she said at a press conference at the Gono Bhaban.
Digital Security Bill: What can President do now?
All eyes are now on President Abdul Hamid as he will decide on the much debated Digital Security Bill. Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury yesterday signed the Bill recently passed by parliament amid widespread criticism against some of its provisions that have been termed as a threat to freedom of speech and expression and the freedom of press as well.
Editors' concerns to be placed at next cabinet meeting or subsequent one
Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday said the concerns of Sampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) about the Digital Security Act will be placed before the next cabinet meeting, or at the one after that.
Speaker signs; it may be sent to president today
Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury yesterday signed the recently passed Digital Security Bill.
Digital Security Act: Joy criticises Sampadak Parishad
In a post on his verified Facebook page, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy has heavily criticised Sampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) for raising objections to some sections of the newly passed Digital Security Act.