DSA was never misused: PM

Terming Bangladesh's Digital Security Act a simpler law than similar ones found in other countries, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the act was never misused.

Since the DSA is being discussed so much, the Bangladesh government is reviewing similar laws in other countries including the US, UK and European countries.

"The DSA will be reformed if we find any law with tougher punishments than ours," the prime minister said during an interview with Voice of America released Monday.

Laws like the DSA do not exist in Bangladesh alone, and all countries, including the USA and the UK, have such laws, she said, reports UNB.

It was not that only journalists were being targeted but action is also taken against anyone engaged in anti-social activities or provoking militant activities, she said.

"If a journalist tries to steal a document from a ministry, should that person be rewarded? What action would any civilised country take in such a situation?" she asked.

But the PM said individual has been turned into a hero after committing various offences and being released on bonds.

US SANCTIONS ON RAB

The US sanctions on Rab embolden militants, the PM said when asked what reforms the government was enacting for the withdrawal of sanctions.

As per the suggestion of the US, Rab was formed during the rise of militant activities in the country and elsewhere in the world after the September 11 attacks.

"Rab played a significant role in curbing militancy and crimes. But it is not understandable to me why they imposed the sanctions on Rab when Awami League assumed the power and continued the democratic process," Hasina said.

Rather, Rab's role was questionable before the AL regime. Bangladesh government brings Rab men to book if they commit any crimes, which is absent in other countries, even in the US, she added.

On the reformation of Rab, she said the government is always careful in ensuring that no innocent people are punished.