‘DSA is for combatting cybercrime’

Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday said the Digital Security (DSA) was formulated to combat cybercrimes and not to stifle freedom of expression.

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has pledged to protect press freedom and freedom of expression. That is why her government will not enact a law that is contradictory to the constitution,” he said.

He made the remark at a seminar organised by Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) at International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.

The law minister said some questions were raised about the DSA, and the government had taken steps to address those.

“We’ve tried to solve the problems after holding talks with the home ministry and others concerned. For example, a high police official sought my opinion about recording a case against a person under the Digital Security Act. I gave my opinion. This is progress. Earlier, the police used to arrest any accused immediately after filing a case under this law,” he said.

Anisul said the government is also committed to protecting journalists.

“The Gono Maddhom Kormi Ain (Mass Media Workers Act) is going to be made in order to protect journalists. This proposed law is now with the parliamentary standing committee.

“The journalist community has raised questions about some sections of this law. Discussions might take place among journalist leaders, media owners, and the parliamentary standing committee. Even, I can take an initiative if the journalists want,” he added.

He also said the media sector is now a mature sector and therefore, the time had come to form a regulatory body for the media.