In DSA's 5 years, 40% cases filed for 'slanders' against Hasina regime

Nearly 40% of cases filed under the Digital Security Act (DSA) till mid-2023 were related to criticisms against the previous government head and its members, according to speakers at a roundtable in the capital on Tuesday (8 October).

Speakers said as per the information of Center for Government Studies, 2,799 of the total 7,001 cases were filed under the DSA, in its five years from 2018, for being critical of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her family members, ministers and members of parliaments.

Moreover, 88% of the total cases were related to social media contents and comments, the speakers added.

The roundtable, titled "Cybersecurity Act: Balancing Security and Freedom of Speech," was jointly organised by the Telecom and Technology Reporters Network Bangladesh (TRNB) and Anwar Technologies.

At the discussion, speakers raised concerns that the DSA, and its replacement, the Cybersecurity Act 2023, have been used as tools for content suppression rather than safeguarding online security.

A new law should mean security in cyberspace, instead of being a weapon for content blocking and hindering freedom of speech, opined the legal experts, technology and media professionals.

ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury said the work for changing the law has already begun and he emphasised the importance of protecting citizens' freedom of expression alongside ensuring national security.

Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Chairman Major General (retd) Emdad Ul Bari outlined the importance of addressing both aspects and looking for solutions to the Bangladesh-specific problems.

Acknowledging the act's controversial aspects that leaves room for oppression, experts also stressed the importance of protecting the country's digital infrastructure, securing online transactions and combating cybercrime.

Bangladesh Finance Managing Director and CEO Kyser Hamid said on average financial institutions are facing 630 cyber-attacks every day and 52% of them are vulnerable to various cyber threats. 

Without a proper legal framework and domain expertise the challenges will be tough to overcome, he added.

Anwar Technologies Co-founder Waeez R Hossain stressed the need for a bullying and threats-free safe cyberspace for the youth while former BASIS President Syed Almas Kabir highlighted the importance of socially embracing the balanced practices of freedom of speech so that one's freedom does not hurt others.

Technology expert Sumon Ahmed Sabir argued that crimes in cyberspace should be judged based on the severity of their impact, calling for the development of capabilities to prove cybercrimes. 

He stressed the importance of collaborating with global coalitions to control cross-border crimes while also safeguarding free speech for the next generation.

Harvard alumnus Nabil B Arif, condemning the punishments for social media comments, urged for protection motive, instead of content control.

Barrister Shahed Alam, corporate and regulatory affairs chief of Robi Axiata, suggested a completely new law that should not have much grey area.

Lt Col Mohammad Zulfikar (retd), secretary general of the Association of Mobile Telecom Operators of Bangladesh urged for clarity in the law, proportionality of punishments, fair implementation mechanism, accountability and oversight and an aligned judiciary.

Former TRNB president Rashed Mehdi in his keynote presented the disproportionate punishment provisions of the law alongside some abuse cases by the state.

TRNB President Samir Kumar Dey chaired the session while the General Secretary Masuduzzaman Robin delivered the welcome address.

In a separate event in the capital on Tuesday, Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman called for repealing the Cybersecurity Act 2023 that replaced the Digital Security Act 2018. 

He also demanded compensations to the victims of the oppressions.