Priya PatelTLDR:
- Transparency International Bangladesh expressed concern about proposed Cyber Security Rules 2024.
- The Cyber Security Act 2023 is seen as restrictive and undemocratic, hindering freedom of expression.
In a press conference held in Dhaka, the executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh, Iftekharuzzaman, raised concerns about the proposed Cyber Security Rules 2024, stating that they could become a weapon to control the rights of citizens. He criticized the Cyber Security Act 2023, calling it restrictive, undemocratic, and a hindrance to freedom of expression.
Iftekharuzzaman highlighted that the proposed rules were similar to the Digital Security Act in terms of restrictions and potential misuse against free access to information and speech facilitated by technology. The limited scope of the rules and lack of transparency and accountability measures for the national Cyber Security Agency were also noted as significant gaps.
Recommendations were made to overhaul and redraft the Cyber Security Act 2023, involving relevant stakeholders, before implementing the Cyber Security Rules 2024 to ensure citizens’ rights are protected. The potential implications of arbitrary access by government-controlled agencies and shortcomings in addressing external threats in the proposed rules were pointed out, emphasizing the need for comprehensive revisions.
