Bangladesh Mahila Parishad organized an online sharing meeting on “Digital Security Act 2018: Human Rights of Women” on 02 September 2021 at 12.30 a.m.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad chaired the meeting.
Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Mr. Mustafa Jabbar was present as the Chief Guest. Ms. Nasia Begum NDC, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission was the Guest of Honor. Mr. Shahriar Kabir Writer, Journalist and President of Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee of 71, Mr. Ishtiaque Reza, Editor in Chief of Gazi TV, and Ms. Maksuda Parveen Deputy Secretary, Law, and Justice division were present as the Special guests.
The keynote paper was presented by Rekha Chowdhury, Vice President Bangladesh Mahila Parishad.
Maleka Banu General Secretary of BMP said in her welcome speech that there is gender inequality in Cyberspace. With the increasing use of digital technology women in the cyber world are being subjected to various forms of violence.
The Chief Guest Mr. Mustafa Jabbar, Honorable Minister of the Ministry of Posts Telecommunications and Information Technology said that the Digital Security Act 2018 could not play an important role to curb crimes due to some limitations and misapplication of the law in recent times. He also added that there is the possibility to make necessary amendments to the provision law. But law enforcement needs to be vigilant in applying the law. He proposed that there should be a separate law to monitor social media.
Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Nasima Begum NDC said in her speech as Guest of Honor that ongoing cybercrime and bullying against women should be monitored and controlled on social media.
The speakers highlighted that none has been arrested under the Digital Security Act after making violent, obscene, and derogatory remarks against women in various digital platforms.
President of BMP, Dr. Fauzia Moslem spoke that social movement on this issue will be continued by Bangladesh Mahila Parishad but in order to reduce misuse of the law Govt. should take responsibility. She also added that proper use of this law is very important to ensure the freedom of expression of the citizen.
Jana Goswami Advocacy Director of BMP moderated the program.
