Victims of harassment under the Cyber Security Act, 2023, have urged for its repeal, claiming that it reinforces the oppressive nature of the Digital Security Act of 2018. Despite widespread clamor for reform, they argue that the new law, which went into effect on September 18, continues to harm free speech.

At a roundtable discussion on the cyber security law, held at the National Press Club on Tuesday, victims of the law shared their personal experiences and renewed their calls for the law’s abolition.

Media worker Sangita Aparajita recounted her ordeal under the DSA after posting on Facebook in protest against an injustice involving a powerful member of the Awami League. She was threatened and pressured into a settlement, she said, describing the legal action taken against her and the chilling effect it had on her ability to speak out.

Dilip Roy, a student at Rajshahi University during the Sundarbans movement, shared the harrowing experience of his father, journalist Kajol Ahmed, who was abducted following Dilip’s online support for the movement. He highlighted a direct threat made by Sheikh Hasina against those involved in the movement.

During the meeting, participants unanimously demanded the complete repeal of the DSA, saying that it has been used to silence dissent. They expressed concerns over the inhumane conditions they faced during imprisonment and argued that no law should be used to suppress free speech or target individuals for their opinions.

Many speakers detailed the physical abuse victims suffered while in jail, as well as the repeated denials of bail. They not only called for the repeal of the law but also demanded respect, compensation for all victims, and accountability for those who orchestrated their harassment. The government should not have unilateral power to create laws like this, they emphasized, urging for necessary reforms.

Other individuals who expressed their concerns included activists Shadhona Mahal, Didarul Islam, and Dipti Rani Das. They all said that the law was illegal and illegitimate from the outset, and could not be amended.