Dhaka, Oct 08 (V7N): Participants at a roundtable yesterday demanded the immediate abolition of the Cyber Security Act (CSA), condemning it as a tool used by the "fascist government" to silence free speech, similar to its predecessor, the Digital Security Act (DSA).

The speakers urged the government to replace the CSA with a law that genuinely protects citizens' online rights.
The event, held at the Jatiya Press Club and titled "Revocable Cyber Security Act: People's Expectations," was organized by Digitally Right, Nagorik, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office.

Around 30 participants, including victims of the law, activists, political leaders, lawyers, journalists, and civil society members, echoed the call for repealing the CSA.They also called for dismissing all cases filed under the ICT Act of 2006, the DSA of 2018, and the CSA of 2023, and demanded compensation for the victims.
Additionally, they demanded accountability for those who misused the law, ranging from law enforcement officials to judiciary members.
Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), emphasized the need to repeal the CSA and compensate the victims, warning that continued misuse of the law could lead to further abuses.
Other notable speakers included photographer Shahidul Alam, Hasnat Kaiyum of Rastra Sangskar Andolon, Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, and Sheikh Manjur-E-Alam of ARTICLE 19.
The event was moderated by rights activist Rezaur Rahman Lenin and chaired by CR Abrar, Executive Director of Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit. Several victims shared their experiences, reinforcing the call for the law's repeal.
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