Bangladesh’s Law Minister Anisul Haq has defended the Digital Security Act (DSA), which has been used against journalists and dissenters, saying the act doesn’t restrict media freedom. He added that steps have been taken to prevent the law's misuse. Over a dozen activists and journalists still remain in detention under the same law dubbed draconian by critics. 

Passed in 2018, Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act came under the radar of rights groups and the international organization, including the United Nations, for its blatant misuse. Journalists, activists, and even political opponents were arrested and kept in jails for months just for criticizing the government on social media platforms. 

Speaking at an event in Dhaka on Wednesday, Haq admitted misuse of the law and added the government had taken corrective measures.

"I agree that there has been misuse and misconduct since the Digital Security Act was enacted, and we have taken steps to prevent it," he was quoted as saying by The Daily Star. He further added that he discussed the matter with the home minister and now journalists under the investigation are not immediately arrested. 

Earlier this year, Mushtaq Ahmed, a famous writer, died in a high-security prison in Dhaka. Ahmed, who was charged under the DSA, had been in detention for months. His death sparked huge protests in Bangladesh. UN right body Amnesty and other groups reiterated their calls for change in the law. 

Micheal Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in February this year, “There needs to be an overhaul of the Digital Security Act under which Ahmed was charged -– and all those detained under this act for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and opinion must be released."

Referring to critical reports, especially in the western media, Haq refuted the claim that there is no media freedom in the country. “I don't believe there are as many talk shows in other countries as there are in our country,” he said. 

“The Right to Information Act has been passed. The Digital Security Act does not appear to be harmful to the media. To protect freedom of speech and the press, the government will extend all possible cooperation. You will not be harmed in any way," he assured journalists. 

(SAM)