Govt to enact new law to fight cyber crimes

The government plans to enact a new law to prevent cyber crimes that take new dimensions frequently, Law Minister Anisul Huq said yesterday, terming the existing information and communication technology (ICT) act inadequate.

He made the announcement at a consultation with parliamentarians on "The ICT Act 2006: Implications for Freedom of Online Expression" in the capital, but he did not explain why a separate law is needed when the ICT act can be amended to suit the needs.

The new "Cyber Security Act" will ensure freedom of speech and expression as well as ensuring punishment for offenders, Anisul Huq told the discussion, organised by ARTICLE 19, an NGO defending freedom of expression, at a hotel in the capital.  

He said the online propaganda of fundamentalists should be intensively monitored and dealt with prompt action; otherwise the country would be in danger.

Expressing condolence to the families of the three recently slain bloggers, the minister called them "martyrs for the freedom of speech".

About the demand for further changes to the ICT Act 2006, which was amended in 2013, he said all laws should be updated every two or three years.

The minister also announced that a new evidence act would be formulated by the end of this year. The current one was passed in 1872.

Presenting a paper, Tahmina Rahman, director (Bangladesh and South Asia) of ARTICLE 19, demanded amendment to Section 46 and 57 of the ICT Act -- the first section providing huge power to the government-appointed controller to block online content and the second one imposing restrictions on freedom of expression.

She also recommended repealing the 2013 amendment to the ICT Act, which permits arrest of anybody without a warrant.

Addressing the function, State Minister for ICT Affairs Zunaid Ahmed Palak said over 4.57 crore people were currently using internet in Bangladesh, and one new social media user was being created here in every 12 seconds.

Lawmakers, foreign delegates, ICT and legal experts, and media personalities, also spoke.