Amend 9 sections of Digital Security Act: Editors’ Council

Staff Correspondent: The Sampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) formed a human chain in front of Jatiya Press Club on Monday, to press home their seven demands including proper amendments to nine sections of the Digital Security Act-2018.

Sampadak Parishad General Secretary and The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam read a written speech with their demands.

To protect the cause of independent journalism and freedom of expression, sections 8, 21, 25, 28, 29, 31, 32, 43 and 53 of the Digital Security Act needs to be duly amended, Mahfuz Anam said.

The Editors’ Council also demanded that the proposed changes should be brought in the upcoming session of the parliament to ensure freedom of media and independent journalism.

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Acting Editor of Jugantor Saiful Alam, Manab Zamin Editor Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, Kaler Kantho Editor Imdadul Haq Milon, Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naem Nizam were present, among others, at the programme.

The human chain was earlier postponed at request of Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu.

Amid concerns from various quarters, the Digital Security Act was passed in parliament earlier on September 19. President Abdul Hamid signed the Digital Security Bill into law later on October 8.

Since before its passage, and till now, the law has faced vocal opposition.  Editors, journalists, and rights campaigners say it could quash freedom of speech – especially on social media –and will undermine responsible journalism.


risingbd/Dhaka/Oct 15, 2018/Sawon/Mukul