Concern over Digital Security Bill meaningless
Law Minister Anisul Huq yesterday said the Digital Security Bill has been enacted only to bring offenders under the purview of law.
“It is not a law to diminish the freedom of press and freedom of expression,” the minister said.
He was addressing journalists prior to inaugurating a new building at the Dinajpur Court compound.
Amid widespread criticism against some of its provisions that have been termed a threat to freedom of speech and expression and the freedom of press as well, Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury on Tuesday signed the bill recently passed by parliament.
The much-debated bill was sent to the office of President Abdul Hamid yesterday for his assent, sources at the Parliament Secretariat and Bangabhaban said.
“Concern that press freedom and freedom of expression will be affected by the Digital Security Bill are meaningless,” the minister said.
If criminals are not brought under the purview of law, the image of the society and the state is damaged, he said, adding that if anyone does not commit crime, they will remain out of the purview of the law.
Prime Minster Sheikh Hasina is repeatedly saying that the law is not against journalists, he also said. “It is not a law to diminish the freedom of journalists in the country.”
Responding to a query, the minister said no decision regarding bringing amendments to the bill has been made yet.
Referring to talks held with the Editors' Council, he said he would raise the council's concerns at the cabinet meeting, and also talk with council members as per directives of the cabinet.
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