UN rights chief calls for immediate suspension of DSA, citing 'ongoing media crackdown'

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on the Bangladesh government to immediately suspend the application of the Digital Security Act, expressing concern that the act is being used to muzzle freedom of expression.

The UN rights chief made the call following Prothom Alo correspondent Shamsuzzaman Shams' recent arrest, which also prompted several local and global organisations, including the Broadcast Journalist Center, Dhaka Reporters' Unity, Economic Reporters Forum and the Committee to Protect Journalists to express concern demanding Shams's immediate release.

"I am concerned that the Digital Security Act is being used across Bangladesh to arrest, harass and intimidate journalists and human rights defenders, and to muzzle critical voices online," said Volker Türk in a release.

He urged Bangladesh to impose an immediate moratorium on its use and to comprehensively reform its provisions to bring them in line with the requirements of international human rights law.

Türk added that his office has already provided detailed technical comments to assist with such a revision.

The UN commission said, "More than 2,000 cases have been filed under the DSA, including the latest lawsuit against Prothom Alo reporter Shamsuzzaman Shams. He was detained and his laptop, phone and other equipment seized during a house search. His application for bail was rejected. A second case has been filed against the editor of Prothom Alo, Matiur Rahman, and a photographer. The case is based on their reporting of the cost-of-living crisis in Bangladesh."

"My Office has consistently raised concerns about the overly broad and ill-defined provisions of the Digital Security Act," Türk said, and called for the creation of an independent judicial panel to review all pending cases brought under the Digital Security Act with a view to those accused being released.

The High Commissioner called for the creation of an independent judicial panel to review all pending cases brought under the Digital Security Act with a view to those accused being released.

Türk also reiterated his concern about the ongoing trial of Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan from the now de-registered Odhikar human rights organisation, accused of falsely reporting about alleged human rights violations in a case dating back to 2013.