‘Digital Security Act won’t curtail freedom of speech’

Law Minister Anisul Huq today said the Digital Security Act has been formulated in order to prevent cybercrimes, not to curtail the freedom of expression and the press.

“I have categorically told them (a delegation of European Union) that the Digital Security Act-2018 has been formulated for cyber security and to prevent cybercrimes. This law was not made to curb the freedom of press and freedom of speech”, he said.  

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The law minister said this at a press briefing after holding a meeting with a five-member delegation led by Eamon Gilmore, human rights affairs special representative of the EU, at his residential office in capital’s Gulshan.

The minister also said that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been serving in jail as the trial court and the High Court have convicted and sentenced her for misappropriation of money.

The government has no role in releasing Khaleda Zia from jail, he said.

Minister Anisul said he conveyed the government’s stance about the Rohingya refugee issues to the EU delegation.

The government strongly wants the repatriation of the Rohingya people who fled to Bangladesh from Myanmar, he said.

He said that he requested the EU delegation to discuss the issues of return of the Rohingyas with Myanmar government, as they will go to Cox’s Bazar tomorrow to visit Rohingyas and then they will go to Myanmar.

Replying to a question, the law minister said he informed the government’s desire for quick disposal of the Feni Madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi murder case to the EU delegation.