The United States has shared its concerns about the recently-passed Digital Security Act (DSA) in Bangladesh.
In a statement on Sunday (Sept 30), US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat said the law could be used to curb and criminalize free speech—which would be detrimental to Bangladesh’s democracy, development, and prosperity.
She said, "We welcome Information Minister Inu's offer to meet with media representatives to discuss their concerns about the DSA.
"We encourage the Government of Bangladesh to consider changes to the law that would bring it into conformity with the Bangladesh Constitution and with Bangladesh’s international commitments on human, civil, and political rights."
The Digital Security Bill 2018 was passed in Parliament on Sept 19 with stiff penalties for a wide variety of cyber infractions — after the ICT Act was annulled because of widespread criticism about its misuse.
However, journalists and rights campaigners have said that the law could quash freedom of speech – especially on social media – and would undermine responsible journalism.