Stop abuse of DSA

The deputy commissioners have been instructed to stop the misuse and abuse of the Digital Security Act, Law Minister Anisul Huq said yesterday.

"We've [also] asked the home ministry not to accept digital security act cases immediately after filing. There is a provision in the law to send cases to [the corresponding] cell. And in the case of journalists, [instructions were given] not to make arrests right away," he told reporters after meeting the DCs on the third and final day of the annual DC conference held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

"The act is mainly formulated to combat cybercrime. It is not enacted to curb press freedom… Our constitution has clearly pointed out that freedom of expression and freedom of press are fundamental rights.

"There has been some cases of misuse. We'll talk with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to find out best practice… If necessary, we'll bring some amendment to the act. We informed them three days ago that we're ready for a discussion."

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen urged the DCs to be "more sensitive" in ensuring hassle-free services to expatriate Bangladeshis as over one crore people of the country live abroad.

He said the expatriates come with complaints of not getting passports, police clearances, marriage and birth certificates in time. In some cases, they complain about losing control over their land.

Seeking a stronger role of the DCs in stopping sand lifting from rivers, Zahid Faruque, state minister for water resources, said an initiative to formulate a river-dredging policy was underway to save the country's rivers.

Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, state minister for shipping, said they directed the DCs to strengthen measures to protect rivers from pollution, encroachment and restoring navigability.

Meanwhile, Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury urged the DCs to rescue Khas land (government property).

He also said that they are considering cancelling the Power of Attorney system in the Land Acquisition act, adding that people are regularly being deceived and harassed due it.

The last session was held with Mohammad Moinuddin Abdullah, chairman of the Anti-Corruption Commission.

"The DCs know well where graft takes place in their offices. We asked them to take preventive measures in those sectors," he said.

The DCs requested the ACC to dispose cases quickly.

"Sometimes, there are delays and perhaps DCs face problems because of it…We are trying to address the matter," the ACC boss said.