The government of Bangladesh has decided to replace the Digital Security Act with Cyber Security Act 2023, in which sections of the existing law will be amended.
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq confirmed the development today (August 07, 2023).
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The decision came after a meeting of the Cabinet Division chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this morning, he added.
The cabinet approved the draft in principle, the law minister said.
The name of the law has been changed, and some sections of the law have been amended, the minister added.
Read more: Digital Security Act to be amended: Law Minister
The minister further said that after the amendment, there will no longer be any provision for jail term; only the provision of fines will be kept.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government is working for the people, he said, adding, "We have taken measures to stop the misuse and abuse of DSA through some amendments."
Earlier on May 3, Anisul Huq said that Digital Security Act will not be repealed but necessary amendments will be made.
The DSA was enacted on October 8, 2018 with the aim of preventing the spread of sectarianism, extremism, terrorist propaganda, and hatred against religious or ethnic minorities through social media, print media or any other electronic media.
However, since its inception, DSA was criticized heavily for its misuse.