Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has issued the following statement on 9th October 2018 expressing deep concern as the President signed the Digital Security Bill into law despite the widespread criticism from various corners including the Editor’s council, different political parties, civil societies and global platforms.
“The incumbent government which has become detached from the general masses, enacted the Digital Security Bill just to curb freedom of expression. By signing into this bill, he has implicated him with a black law, which is really regrettable for the nation. He has failed to play the role, which he is supposed to do as the guardian of the nation. President has frustrated the nation as he failed to apply his constitutional power as well.
Awami League government made a hurry to enact this bill as they are mulling to coming back to the power. Even the bill was not discussed in the cabinet. Three ministers earlier met the editor’s council and assured them to modify the bill, but they also failed to keep their words.
This law bestows unlimited power to the police force. Police can arrest anybody on suspicion even without any warrant. By enacting such law, the government seized the freedom of media. The journalists will not be able to make and publish investigative report anymore. This black law subdues the basic spirit of independence, which had been secured in exchange of huge blood and sacrifice. The government which has minimum respect for democracy, cannot create such a bar in the process of expressing views.
I am urging the media activists and the general masses to form mass resistance against this black law. Besides, I am calling upon the concerned authority to repeal this law immediately for the sake of national respect.
