Journalists form human chain to demand repeal of DSA

Journalists today once again demanded the repeal of the Digital Security Act (DSA), saying the law is being used to harass journalists and suppress freedom of expression.

They made the demand at a human chain organised at Karwan Bazar roundabout in protest of a DSA case filed against RTV journalist Yeasmein Akter Adhora for her reporting on "misdeed of a syndicate of Pirs".

One Shakerul Kabir filed the case with a Chattogram court against Adhora and another person on May 13. But the incident came to light on July 10 after Rafiqul Islam, the investigating officer of this case, informed the TV channel about it through a letter.

Speaking at today's protest programme, the journalist leaders demanded the withdrawal of the case against Adhora.

They also demanded to take action against the "pir syndicate" instead of harassing journalists for unearthing crimes.

Sohel Haider Chowdhury, president of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) expressed frustration and dissatisfaction over filing the case against journalists under DSA.

Photo: Prabir Das

It is being noticed that cases are being filed against journalists one after another at a time when there is talk of amendment of the law, he said.

"We hope Adhora Yasmin's case will be withdrawn, or the home ministry will issue a statement declaring it null and void," he demanded.

He emphasised the need for the government to ensure press freedom by taking the journalists' concerns about DSA into consideration.

DUJ General Secretary Akter Hossain shared details about the case and said Adhora faced legal action for reporting on the misdeeds of the "pir syndicate".

She had been receiving various threats, including death threats after airing the news, said Akter, also the news editor of RTV.

He called for an end to such targeted harassment and to take appropriate action against those responsible for filing baseless cases against journalists.

Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) President Morsalin Nomani, DRU former general secretary Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo, Nurul Islam Hasib, among others, spoke in the programme.

The speakers highlighted the discrepancy between the government's claim that the DSA does not target journalists, saying increasing number of cases are being filed against journalists under this act.

They feared DSA cases against journalists may rise as the national election is approaching.

Mentioning that journalists are a supporting force of the state, the protesters sought cooperation from the administration.

Journalist communities have long been demanding repeal of the law, saying it has been curbing the freedom of press and freedom of expression.