May 3, 2023
DHAKA – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh’s Digital Security Act is simpler than similar laws found in other countries and that the act is never misused.
Since the DSA is being discussed so much, the Bangladesh government is reviewing similar laws in other countries including the USA, UK and European countries.
“The DSA will be reformed if we find any law with tougher punishments than ours,” the prime minister said during an interview with Voice of America released yesterday.
Laws like the DSA does not exist in Bangladesh alone, and all countries including the USA and the UK have such laws, she said.
It was not that only journalists were being targeted, but action is taken against anyone engaged in anti-social activities or provoking militant activities, she said.
“If a journalist tries to steal file from a ministry, should that person be rewarded? What action would any civilised country take in such a situation?” she asked.
But the person has been turned into a hero after committing various offences several times and being released on bonds.
US SANCTIONS ON RAB
The US sanctions on Rab emboldens militants, the prime minister said when asked what reforms the government was enacting for withdrawal of sanctions.
As per the suggestion of the USA, Rab was formed during the rise of militant activities in the country and elsewhere in the world after the September 11 attacks, the prime minister said.
Training and other assistance were provided by the USA, she said.
Rab played a significant role in curbing militancy and crimes, she said.
“But it is not understandable to me why they imposed the sanctions on Rab when Awami League assumed the power and continued the democratic process,” the prime minister said.
“Rather, Rab’s role was questionable for their role before the AL regime,” she added.
Bangladesh government brings Rab men to book If they commit any crimes, which is absent in other countries, even in the USA, she said.
On reformation of Rab, she said that the government is always careful in ensuring that no innocent people are punished.