Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday acknowledged that in some cases the Digital Security Act (DSA) was being misused, but he said that the state of the freedom of the press in Bangladesh is an example for developing nations around the world.

“We believe in a free press, we believe in freedom of the press. Such an expansion of mass media has not been seen in many of our neighboring countries. Journalists in those countries do not operate with such unfettered freedom,” he said.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar on 'Role of Media in Protecting Human Rights and Expanding Democracy'.  The Jatiya Press Club (JPC) organised the seminar to mark the World Press Freedom Day at the Zohur Hossain Chowdhury auditorium of the club.

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JPC President Farida Yasmin chaired the discussion meeting while Julhas Alam, convenor of the JPC’s Seminar, Meet the Press and International Affairs Liaison Sub-committee, conducted the programme.

Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, Daily Samakal Editor Mozammel Hossain, former BFUJ President  Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Jatiya Press Club Joint Secretary Md Ayub Bhuiyan spoke on the occasion highlighting the challenges Bangladesh’s media industry is facing. 

The speakers said that any repressive laws that stifle the freedom of expression and choke the freedom of the press should either be repealed or amended for ensuring people’s rights. They said that the Digital Security Act is being used to create fear.

On the Act, Dr Hasan Mahmud said the law was enacted to ensure the cyber security of everyone including journalists, housewives, farmers, workers and employees.

“Many journalists have also used the law for digital security. In today's discussion, journalists have also said that this law is needed. Such laws have been enacted in almost every country in the world today. In many countries, this law is stricter than ours,” he said.

The minister said that a law like the Digital Security Act was needed to ensure cyber security as he responded to criticism by other speakers over how the law has long been misused. 

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“Any kind of misuse of such a law should end. I agree with you all, but again I would say that such a law is necessary,” he said.

The minister said mass media can operate properly if they can exercise freedom with responsibility.

But if freedom is exercised avoiding responsibility, then in many cases the society as well as the state is harmed, he added.

"The media is the fourth pillar of the state. Democracy and the media complement each other. There can be no democracy without a free media,” he said. 

Mentioning the government’s commitment in ensuring media freedom as well as the expansion of media, Hasan said: "(Because of giving new licences) In the last 14 years or so, the number of television channels including BTV is now 39.”

The journey of private television and radio also started with the help of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he added.