DSA victims demand repeal of Cyber Protection Ordinance
They demanded the immediate repeal of the draft ordinance and urged the government to develop a new legal framework based on the opinions of people to ensure the safety of citizens from cybercrimes
The victims of Digital Security Act (DSA) have expressed concern about the potential misuse of various controversial provisions in the newly approved draft of Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024.
They demanded the immediate repeal of the draft ordinance and urged the government to develop a new legal framework based on the opinions of people to ensure the safety of citizens from cybercrimes.
The demand was made at a discussion and press briefing held at the Sagar Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity today (11 January), jointly organised by Voice for Reform and DSA Victims Network.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The event, chaired by human rights activist Shahidul Alam and moderated by Fahim Mashroor, co-coordinator of Voice for Reform, brought together several individuals who had been victims of the DSA under the previous government.
Simu Nasser, another co-coordinator of Voice for Reform, presented the repressive provisions of the new ordinance, explaining how they could suppress freedom of speech and violate human rights.
Speaking at the discussion, Kamal Ahmed, chairman of the media reform commission lamented the draft ordinance's passage, saying, "It is deeply disappointing that such a 'black law' is being introduced despite the presence of human rights activists within the current advisory council."
Shahidul Alam criticised the ordinance for empowering law enforcement while neglecting human rights.
He warned that unchecked authority had already led to atrocities, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. "If journalism is criminalised, there will be no independent media— leaving only PR agencies, which is already happening."
Other speakers also said the previous "fascist" government had successfully used the DSA to virtually silence freedom of speech in Bangladesh and establish a reign of terror.
They emphasised that Bangladesh has signed numerous human rights conventions under the United Nations, many of which conflict with the provisions of the new ordinance.
At the discussion, four victims of unjust arrests under the DSA shared their harrowing experiences.
On 24 December, the draft of the Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024 was approved in a meeting of the interim government's advisory council.
The government said it aims to make cyberspace safe for all the vulnerable, ensuring media freedom at the same time.
