TIB urges review

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) yesterday urged the government to review some sections of the proposed Digital Security Act 2018 and repeal Section 57 of ICT Act.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the abovementioned actions are needed for ensuring people and the media's constitutional right to express.

TIB issued a statement in this regard, marking World Freedom Press Day.

The statement urged to review sections 8, 21, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32, 43 and 58 so that the media workers can enjoy their constitutional rights.

He said the proposed digital security act is contradictory to the constitutional right of freedom to express and the ideology of the Liberation War. It will create a greater sense of insecurity among the media workers and the people.

He said Section 57 has already created fear among the social media users and mainstream media activists, resulting in a self-censorship. “It would be impossible to reveal information of different irregularities and corruptions because of the act,” he said.

Iftekharuzzaman urged the government to discuss the draft act with the media stakeholders. He said the parliamentary committee must play a positive and an active role in reviewing and amending the digital security act, he added.