Speakers at a discussion on Monday urged the government to repeal the use of Digital Security Act to stop oppressing voices of journalists and citizens, and thus ensure the right to freedom of expression.
Expressing their concern over government control of digital and online content and repressive use of Digital Security Act amid the Covid- 19 pandemic, they said a growing confusion over the provisions of the Digital Security Act was also reflected in the discussion.
Speakers pointed out that a culture of fear is making journalists’ duties and citizens’ voices increasingly difficult.
They also discussed the roles and responsibilities of citizens for a healthy cyberspace.
Voices for Interactive Choice and Empowerment (VOICE), a rights and advocacy organisation arranged the discussion with the support of UNDP Human Rights Programmes at VOICE’s Civic Centre in the city.
A keynote presentation at the beginning of the dialogue was presented by Zayed Siddiki, filmmaker and project coordinator of VOICE and Abtab Khan Shawon, programme associate of VOICE stated that Bangladesh appears to be cracking down on free speech as Covid-19 hits the country, silencing those who express concern over the government’s handling of the epidemic.
The keynote also stated that Bangladesh despite being a developing country, internet penetration is only 62 per cent, with 103 million users while Facebook users are nearly 38 million.
It said Covid-19 has put a halt on almost everything but cases lodged under the Digital Security Act saw a manifold increase recently against people voicing any criticism, particularly people raising their voice against corruption and mismanagement in the health sector and handling of Covid-19 situation in the country.
Faruq Faisel, regional director, South Asia and Bangladesh Article 19 said that it is shocking that during the coronavirus pandemic the government is using the Digital Security Act to prevent journalists from doing their job.
Saimum Reza Pias, senior lecturer of Faculty of Law at the University of Dhaka said that since the coronavirus pandemic hit Bangladesh, there has been a surge in arrests of journalists, activists and others who criticised the duty bearers for their lack of preparedness and poor response to the pandemic.
Dr Aireen Zaman, president of Bangladesh Chapter of PEN International said that Bangladesh now ranks 151st among 180 countries, with the lowest score for press freedom among all South Asian countries, according to Reporters without Borders (RSF).
Ahmed Swapan Mahmud, executive director of VOICE, moderated the dialogue.
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