Call to bring extensive changes to digital security draft law

A citizen body today called upon the government to bring extensive changes to the draft of Digital Security Act 2016, terming it “unacceptable”.

Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights said many sections in the draft contain vague wordings, leaving room for misuse or misinterpretation of the law, which will ultimately curb the liberty and rights of the people.

The organisation came up with the observations and demand at a discussion titled “Legal Review: Proposed Digital Security Bill and Citizens’ Rights”, organised with eminent jurist Shahdeen Malik in the chair, at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity.

The cabinet on August 21 approved the draft of Digital Security Act 2016.

“It’s not accepted. There should be brought major amendments in the proposed act,” said Shahdeen Malik.

Committee for the Protection of Fundamental Rights organised the function.  

As per the draft, an offender could also face a fine of Tk 1 crore, instead of life imprisonment, or both for committing the offence.

The punishment would be the same for anyone patronising the offender, according to the proposed law titled “Digital Security Act 2016”.