Scrap digital security act

Gonoshasthaya Kendra founder Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury yesterday urged the government to abolish the Digital Security Act for strengthening democracy and removing the obstacle to investigative journalism.
Speaking at a human chain, he also called upon the government to withdraw all the cases filed against journalists under the act and ensure freedom of the press.
"Give journalists the scope for divulging facts. All the cases filed against them have to be withdrawn. Not only that, I also call upon the prime minister to annul the Digital Security Act and send it to the grave. It'll benefit you, the country and people. It'll also help strengthen democracy," Zafrullah said.
Bangladesh Mofussil Journalists' Association arranged the programme in front of Jatiya Press Club, demanding release of Ruhul Amin Gazi, president of a faction of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ).
Stating that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday urged journalists to write reports based on facts shunning yellow journalism, he said unethical or yellow journalism flourishes when freedom of the press is obstructed.
"When such an act (digital security) is used against journalists to prevent them from investigating facts, then yellow journalism and militancy emerge in the country," he observed.
Zafrullah alleged that the government's wrong policy, unfair behaviour and
repressive acts are taking the country to a wrong direction.
He also criticised the government for arresting some journalists, including Ruhul Amin Gazi and photographer Shafiqul Islam Kajol, under the Digital Security Act. '
"Journalists are your (PM) friends as they present the truth to you and find out the truth. I would like to say no one can stay in power by indulging in repressive acts. You please release the journalists immediately and allow them to speak up and present the truth freely. This will pave the way for good governance in the country," he observed.
Zafrullah said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday demanded the release of arrested journalists, but he did not assure that their party, if returned to power, will revoke the "black law" and ensure freedom of the press and people's freedom of expression.
He called upon all to get united to restore the freedom of expression in the country.
Zafrullah also urged the government to take steps for giving journalists a special incentive during the pandemic, in recognition of their contributions to the nation.
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