The government has decided to scrap Section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act.
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu came up with the revelation at the secretariat on Wednesday.
“Sections 54, 55, 56, 57 and 66 will be dissolved if the draft of Digital Security Act 2017 gets cabinet approval,” the Minister said.
“I have finalised the draft. I hope to present it in the upcoming winter session of parliament,” he told reporters after a ministerial meeting.
The digital security law aims to protect the digital world and help it grow, said Inu.
The draft had been created in line with the basic rights of the citizens mentioned in the constitution, said Inu.
The maximum sentence under Section 57 is 14 years in prison and a Tk 10 million fine. Offences are non-bailable.
It has led to the incarceration of several members of the media due to allegations over reports, Facebook posts and other online activities.
Asked if the controversial provision will be included in the digital security law in one way or another, Inu said: “The Digital Security Act is being designed to tackle digital crimes only.”
“It is for the 160 million people of the country, not for the journalists in particular. Journalists and media activists will be addressed in the broadcast law,” the minister said.
Law Minister Anisul Huq was present at Wednesday’s meeting.
He said, “It’s Section 57 that is creating tension. I believe it will be dissolved and the digital security law and the broadcast act will ensure check and balance and protection of freedom of speech.”
