Scrap 'anti-people' sections
The activists of Gonojagoron Mancha yesterday demanded that the government scrap all controversial sections of the proposed Digital Security Act-2018, especially section 32, to uphold freedom of expression.
The “anti-people” sections of the act will gag the media and snatch people's freedom of expression in the digital medium, they said at a protest rally.
The act will protect those involved in corruption as journalists would not be able to report facts on them, they added.
Gonojagoron Mancha organised the protest rally in front of the capital's national museum in the afternoon.
On Monday, the cabinet approved the draft, which included most parts of the controversial section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology Act.
Section 57 deals with defamation, hurting religious sentiments, causing deterioration of law and order and instigating against any person or organisation through publishing or transmitting any material in websites or in electronic form. It provides for punishment of a maximum of 14 years in prison.
Now, the draft of Digital Security Act-2018 splits these offences into four separate sections with punishment ranging from three to 10 years' term.
Speaking at the rally, Gonojagoron Mancha spokesperson Imran H Sarker said the government wants to gag the media and people's voice through the act.
Investigative journalism and public protest on social media will be hampered by the act, he added. “Gonojagoron Mancha will continue its protest… all should raise their voice as well,” Imran said.
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