Cyber law may target journalists, civil society more than politicians: Speakers

National Citizen Party (NCP) leaders have warned that the Cyber Security Act could be used as a political tool to suppress dissent, with journalists and civil society representatives potentially facing greater risks than political leaders.

They made the remarks at a discussion titled “SRB, Enforced Disappearances and Cyber Law: A Collective Arrangement for Human Rights Violations” at the NCP’s central office in Dhaka on Thursday.

NCP political council member Sarwar Tusher said the law could become an instrument to suppress dissent if it contains repressive provisions similar to those in the former Digital Security Act.

“The government should respond to criticism and answer people’s questions, not use laws to silence criticism,” he said.

Tusher also criticised the BNP-led government over gas and electricity, the economy, law and order and employment, saying these issues were contributing to growing public discontent.

He warned that the opposition would remain active in defending citizens’ rights.

“Suppression and repression took 15 years to remove the Awami League. You have completed only seven months. Let’s see what happens after 15 months,” he said.

Fahim Mashroor, convener of the Citizens’ Forum for Referendum Implementation, called the Cyber Security Act “a political tool” and said civil society members and journalists were more likely to be affected by it.

“There are already many other tools in the government’s hands to harass political leaders,” he said.

Mashroor said journalists and civil society members had previously faced harassment under laws such as the Digital Security Act.

“The law could become a dangerous tool to tie the hands of journalists and restrict freedom of expression,” he said.

AB Party Secretary General Barrister Asaduzzaman Fuad said governments can become authoritarian when they fail to meet public expectations and become increasingly disconnected from the people.

He said recent initiatives concerning enforced disappearances, the National Human Rights Commission, changes to the Rapid Action Battalion’s name and the Cyber Security Act could be viewed as part of such a framework.

Fuad said criminalising criticism of the government, comments about ministers and lawmakers or the dissemination of misinformation could restrict public debate. Those who share such statements could also face legal action, he added.

NCP chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary questioned whether investigations into enforced disappearances could be independent when institutions accused of involvement are also responsible for investigating them.

He called for accountability, transparency, independent investigations and guarantees of compensation for victims.

“If these safeguards are absent, instead of ensuring citizens’ rights, we will be pushed towards an even greater crisis,” Patwari said.

NCP law affairs secretary Zahirul Islam Musa, joint member secretary Faridul Haque, Jatiya Narishakti convener Monira Sharmin and political council member and lawmaker Abdullah Al Amin were also present.