Dhaka, Nov 09 (V7N)- Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul, Advisor to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, announced that with the repeal of the Digital Security Act (DSA), all related cases will be canceled. He made this statement while speaking at the 'DRU-Desh TV Best Reporting Award-2024' event at Dhaka Club on Friday afternoon.
Dr. Nazrul clarified that, following the repeal, only specific computer-related offenses—such as hacking and blackmail involving intimate photos of children—would remain subject to legal action. Cases related to journalism, free expression, and dissenting opinions, he assured, would be annulled.
He also addressed the journalists present, noting that the government had made efforts to be "journalist-friendly" and that no harassment or legal actions had been taken against journalists by the government or police. He clarified that cases against journalists had been filed by the general public, not the authorities.
Dr. Nazrul further emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism in journalism. He warned that journalists should not engage in activities outside their professional identity, suggesting that publicly supporting extrajudicial killings, for example, would call into question whether someone could still be considered a journalist. He acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists in Bangladesh but praised the majority for their commitment to truth and justice.
In his speech, Dr. Nazrul also addressed the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), urging unity within the organization and stating that many professions, including journalism, had a role to play in the country’s difficult past. He called on DRU leaders to avoid division within the group.
The event was chaired by DRU President Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo and featured speeches from General Secretary Mohi Uddin, former president M Shafiqul Karim, Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor Shafiqul Alam, and Managing Director of Desh Television Limited Arif Hasan.
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