Member of Bangladesh Parliament and former Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu MP said that the misuse of Digital Security Act has made it controversial. He added that the law could be revised but a state must have such law to ensure the security of its citizen in a digital world. He was speaking at a discussion with members of parliament on the positive engagement of rights-based organizations with the government organized by international human rights organization ARTICLE 19.
Faruq Faisel, Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 South Asia presided over the meeting while among others members of parliament A.K.M. Rahmatullah MP, R.A.M. Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury MP, Razee Mohammad Fakhrul MP and Habiba Rahman Khan, MP spoke at the event. The discussion was facilitated by senior journalist Masuda Bhatti who is also a consultant of ARTICLE 19.
ARTICLE 19 Senior Programme Officer Moriom Shelly and Asinur Reza, Programme Officer, South Asia Governance Programme of The Asia Foundation were also present on the occasion.
The speakers discussed issues such as protection of journalists especially online and offline harassment of women journalists, pros and cons of the Digital Security Act 2018, complete implementation of Wage Board for journalists and expansion of Welfare Trust for journalists and necessity of forming caucus of members of parliament on freedom of expression and transparency.
Alongside, issues of professionalism of journalists, ethical and responsible journalism, amendment of derogatory provisions of different penal laws and necessity of training of law enforcement officers, judges and lawyers on digital sphere also came up in the discussion.
The speakers emphasized that government needs to show zero tolerance regarding harassment and attacks on journalists. It is important to ensure proper and speedy trial of the cases of violations against journalists. Ministry of Home Affairs may form a special cell for the protection of journalists.
R.A.M. Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury MP said, “Law can’t alone ensure protection of journalists. We need to change our attitude to protect journalists. Also, it is important to ensure standard, ethical and responsible journalism for the protection of journalists.”
Razee Mohammad Fakhrul MP said, “Many media houses use social media platform to share their news. They need to ensure strong digital presence by their own.”
Habiba Rahman Khan MP said, “Development is impeded when women lag behind. Women should be more courageous to take the challenge to overcome the obstacles. Women must be treated as human being.”
Senior journalist Masuda Bhatti said that “women journalists face more attack and harassment especially at online than their men counterparts. Government needs to create a conducive environment for the advancement of women”, she added.
In his speech, Faruq Faisel said, “Government carries the primary responsibility for the protection of human right and democratic governance. Civil Society Organizations assist government to ensure human rights, rule of law, transparent and accountable governance in a country. ARTICLE 19 is engaged with government to ensure freedom of expression and information, inclusive and effective reforms of laws, transparency and accountability”.
