Dhaka, Oct 6 (Just News): Gono Shanghati Andolon today said the Digital Security Act-2018 is an attempt to centralise the government power.
The act aims to bar the scope for freedom of speech that was created due to the advancements in technology, the speakers of the platform said at a press conference at Paltan today.
The threat of cybercrimes can be tackled by amending the existing laws, it said at the press conference held at Monir Singh Farhad Memorial Trust.
The government has an ill intention and that is why they formulated this act, claimed Professor Anu Mohammad, who was also present there.
He said Editors’ Council did a commendable job by placing their concerns against the act with the government; however, the government’s response to the concerns is not right.
Meanwhile, Jonayed Saki, central coordinator of the platform, said that there are very few acts which are as repressive as this act.
The government employees have been given indemnity through this act, he added.
“Every time I think of this act, a shiver runs down my spine,” he said.
Another speaker Ainul Huq of Left Democratic Alliance said it will not be wrong if the proposed act is termed as “Government Protection Act” and it is unimaginable to think such an act exists in the present day and age.
The Digital Security Bill 2018 was passed in the parliament on September 19 with a harsh provision allowing police officials to search or arrest anyone without any warrant.
The bill got through by voice vote amid opposition from a number of Jatiya Party lawmakers, ignoring concern of journalists, owners of media houses and rights activists over some of its sections.
The bill was sent to the office of President Abdul Hamid on Thursday for his assent.
