Gwen Lewis, the UN Resident Representative in Dhaka, has expressed satisfaction with the Bangladesh government's decision to change the controversial digital security law.
After meeting with Law Minister Anisul Haque at the Secretariat on Tuesday (August 8), she expressed her satisfaction in response to questions from journalists.
Gwen Lewis said, we are hopeful that the changes that have been made in the new law will be effective. However, I am yet to know the details of the proposed new law. The fact is, the 'Digital Security Act' is no more; it has been replaced by the 'Cyber Security Act'.
The UN official said that the Digital Security Act has been changed to the Cyber Security Act. I am not technically knowledgeable enough to scrutinize the law. But I am very happy with this change.
At this time, she said that she also talked about the issue of human rights with the law minister.
In this regard, Law Minister Anisul Haque said that she (Gwen Lewis) has not yet seen the new law in full. As she has not seen it, she cannot fully comment. She heard about the changes in the law. What she heard, if that change has happened, then it is good and she is happy.
It may be noted that the proposal of the new 'Cyber Security Act' to replace the 'Digital Security Act' was approved by the Cabinet on Monday. However, most of the provisions of the Digital Security Act will remain in the new law. Meanwhile, changes are being made in various controversial sections.
Some of the most controversial clauses will have their sentences reduced in some cases. Some of the 'non-bailable' sections have been made 'bailable'. In defamation cases, the provision of imprisonment will be kept except the provision of fine. The sentence will be reduced for the charge of hurting religious sentiments.