Cyber Security Act: Make filing of false cases punishable

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) yesterday urged the government to include in the proposed Cyber Security Act a section to allow actions against those who would file false cases to harass people.

It also suggested that a journalist or a media expert be included in the "National Cyber Security Agency", the formation of which is proposed in the draft CSA, in order to avoid troubles at the very start of legal proceedings.

Senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul placed a letter containing BFUJ's observations and recommendations before Law Minister Anisul Huq at a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club. It was organised by the federation.

The letter read: "The law minister himself admitted that there has been misuse and abuse of the Digital Security Act. Cases were filed against many just to harass them. I request you [the law minister] to consider incorporating these sections or sub sections into the Cyber Security Act, so it does not follow the same path [as the DSA]."

The federation also raised objections to eight sections of the proposed CSA and demanded they be either amended or scrapped.

One of the sections they demanded an amendment to was section 21, which criminalises any kind of propaganda against the Liberation War, spirit of the Liberation War, Father of the Nation, national anthem or national flag.

The BFUJ demanded further specifications, saying, "It should be mentioned that "spreading hatred, confusion, and slander campaigns against the Father of the Nation, national anthem, and national flag would be considered offences."

It also demanded the amendment or scrapping of section 25, which criminalises the publication of "false", "offensive" or "threatening" information.

"Political speeches often contain elements of attack. Such elements can also be found when aggrieved workers agitate demanding unpaid wages. Would all these be considered offences?" Bulbul asked in the letter.

He demanded further clarification of section 28, which criminalises "hurting religious sentiments".

The letter also said the inclusion of section 29, which deals with defamation, is unnecessary as section 499 of the Penal Code already recognises it as an offence. 

Voicing concerns over section 31, which deals with deterioration of law and order, the letter stated that while the section is ambiguous, its application could create an environment of fear.

"The section could target anyone taking part in political or labour-related protests."

Speaking as the chief guest, the law minister said they would consider the BFUJ recommendations.

"Many people commit crimes while posing as journalists ... We want to ensure that this proposed law will not be used against journalists who are doing genuine journalism. Our goal is to implement the act through dialogue with the journalist community," he added.

About BFUJ's demand for a provision for actions against plaintiffs of false cases, the minister said, "We are working to impose penalties in this regard."

About the fate of journalists accused in cases filed under the DSA, Anisul said steps are being taken to bring those cases under the CSA and they are trying to resolve those as soon as possible.

Presided over by BFUJ President Omar Faruk, the discussion was moderated by the foundation's Secretary General Dip Azad.

Former information adviser to the Prime Minister Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former BFUJ Secretary General Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, former President of Dhaka Union of Journalists Quddus Afrad, current President Sohel Haider Chowdhury, and General Secretary Akter Hossain, among others, spoke.

News Courtesy:

https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/cyber-security-act-make-filing-false-cases-punishable-3412026