TIB Demands Review of Digital Security Act

Yesterday, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) demanded that the 2018 Digital Security Act be checked with its "repressive" clauses scrapped to ensure the free flow of information and freedom of the press.

While attending a virtual discussion organised by the TIB, journalists and academics also said that the limitation of information by the government was a major obstacle to universal access to information.

They also said that journalists should improve their expertise and willingness to generate investigative reports in order to be accountable to the authorities concerned. Media houses can also inspire journalists to do more investigative reporting and enable them to do so.

Masum Billah, Deputy Program Manager (Outreach and Communication) of TIB, said in a keynote presentation at the discussion that the country's media was currently experiencing a suffocating situation.

The discussion marking the International Day for Universal Access to Knowledge was coordinated by the TIB.

He said Bangladesh has experienced a number of corruption incidents during the current coronavirus pandemic in various sectors.

But journalists faced harassment and repression for covering such corruption incidents, he said, adding that 37 journalists have been sued since the first coronavirus was spotted in early March.

He also stated that during this time, 67 cases were filed under the DSA, while at least 88 people were arrested for "spreading rumors and false facts."

Masum said 180 journalists are currently facing cases filed since the beginning of 2018 under the DSA and section 57 of the ICT Act.

He said the DSA should be reviewed in line with international standard.

He also noted during the presentation that many reporters are losing jobs during the coronavirus crisis. The media industry would fall into a crisis if journalists do not make a living.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the limitation of information by government entities has put pressure on investigative journalism.

"This is an ominous sign for democracy", he said.

Pressure on journalism is a hurdle for curbing corruption and ensuring accountability, he said, adding, "This is suicidal and can turn into a boomerang."

Among others, journalist-writer-researcher Professor Afsan Chowdhury, Professor Gitiara Nasreen of the University of Dhaka and journalist Julfikar Ali Manik emphasized the planning, studies, improvement of journalists' skills and capacity for their growth.

They said if the journalists do not improve themselves they will not be able to make the authorities concerned accountable and challenge them for the betterment of the society.

At the programme, TIB announced names of four journalists and a TV programme for their significant roles in investigative reporting on corruption.

Arifur Rahman of The Daily Kalerkantho was awarded in the national print media category while Shafiq Shahin of NTV was awarded in the national electronic media category.

In the local print media category, Foysal Islam of Jashore-based daily Gramerkagoj and Mohammad Salim of Chattogram-based Weekly Chatgarbani jointly won the award.

Searchlight, a programme broadcast by Channel 24, won the award in the TV documentary category.

TIB has been giving the investigative journalism award since 1999.