Proposed Cyber Security Act will not hinder freedom of speech: Palak

The proposed Cyber Security Act will neither put journalists, artists, and writers under psychological pressure nor obstruct their freedom of expression, State Minister for ICT Junaid Ahmed Palak said today.

He said this in response to queries from journalists at an event organised on the occasion of the laying of foundation stone of Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre in Habiganj.

Stating that the Cyber Security Bill will be tabled in parliament today for its passage, Palak said offences under only four sections of the bill have been made non-bailable. Among those are sections dealing with hacking, threats to cybersecurity and national security.

Through this law, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants to send the message that Bangladesh will be progressive and creative, and that there will be no hindrance in freedom expression and no mental pressure on citizens, the state minister said.