Bangladesh has announced plans to amend its Digital Security Act, which has been widely criticized for stifling dissent and impeding press freedom. The amendments aim to allow suspects to be granted bail and put a halt to the imprisonment of journalists for defamation, according to Law Minister Anisul Huq.
The act, which has been in effect since October 2018, has faced backlash from journalists and rights activists who have long called for its repeal to protect free speech and press freedom. The law combines the colonial-era Official Secrets Act with stringent provisions, including allowing arrests without warrants by the police.
During a recent cabinet meeting, it was decided that many sections of the current act would be incorporated into the new Cyber Security Act, with significant amendments made to certain clauses.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in power since 2009, has faced accusations from opposition groups of cracking down on free speech, suppressing dissent, and imprisoning critics. However, her government has denied these allegations.
The international community, including Western governments and rights groups, has also expressed concern over the government’s handling of anti-government protests.
Opposition groups have organized large protest rallies, calling for Prime Minister Hasina to step down and for the upcoming January elections to be held under a neutral caretaker government.
In response to accusations of vote-rigging and opposition suppression during the elections in 2014 and 2018, the United States announced in May that it would restrict visas for Bangladeshis involved in undermining the democratic process in their home country.
