The Cyber Security Act (CSA) 2023 in Bangladesh has been a cause for concern for human rights organizations like Amnesty International. The CSA, which is seen as a continuation of repressive legislations in the country, has been used to crackdown on civic space and human rights, particularly during protests and dissenting voices. The CSA has been criticized for replicating the repressive provisions of the Digital Security Act (DSA) 2018 and the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Act 2006, despite assurances from the government that it would not be used in such a manner.
Amnesty International’s briefing, titled „Repackaging Repression: The Cyber Security Act and the Continuing Lawfare Against Dissent in Bangladesh,“ highlights the misuse of the CSA to target journalists, human rights defenders, and dissidents. Cases have been filed under the CSA for simply criticizing the government or posting satirical content on social media platforms. This crackdown on dissent has led to a climate of fear and self-censorship among journalists and activists in Bangladesh.
The interim government in Bangladesh is urged to repeal laws like the CSA that threaten freedom of expression, liberty, and privacy in the country. Taqbir Huda, Regional Researcher for South Asia at Amnesty International, emphasizes the need to end the long-standing legacy of quashing dissent and calls for the immediate release of those detained under repressive laws.
The briefing also sheds light on the similarities between the CSA and its predecessor, the DSA. The CSA retains many of the provisions of the DSA, with only minor changes or additions. This continuity in repressive laws has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding human rights and international treaties. The CSA’s unchecked powers give authorities the ability to arrest, search, and detain individuals without proper safeguards, leading to arbitrary censorship and suppression of dissenting voices.
The briefing further discusses the impact of the CSA on self-censorship among journalists and activists in Bangladesh. The fear of facing legal repercussions for expressing dissenting opinions has led to a chilling effect on freedom of speech in the country. Cases filed under the CSA against individuals for defamation or criticism of government officials have further fueled this atmosphere of fear and self-censorship.
Amnesty International calls on the Interim Government of Bangladesh to repeal or amend the Cyber Security Act to align with international human rights standards. The organization urges the authorities to release all individuals detained under repressive laws and drop charges against them. The ongoing crackdown on dissent must be addressed to ensure the protection of fundamental rights in Bangladesh.