Cyber Law Not Intended to Control Media: State Minister

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has said the proposed Cyber Security Act is not intended to control the media or restrict journalists from writing.

He made the remarks on Sunday (October 4) after a meeting with the executive committee of the Dhaka Journalists Union at the Secretariat. According to the minister, the proposed law is primarily aimed at protecting citizens and journalists from fake accounts, misinformation, rumours and online harassment.

Yaser Khan Chowdhury said people are often harassed through fake identities on social media, while misinformation and rumours are also circulated using journalists’ names. He said measures are needed to provide greater protection against such forms of cyber abuse.

The state minister said the government believes in media freedom and would not interfere in how media organisations operate. He also said consultations with journalists and media representatives would continue as the proposed legislation is being considered.

He further said a proposal is being considered under which prior court approval could be required before action is taken against a journalist or media organisation if a registered newspaper, television channel or online portal unintentionally violates provisions of the cyber law. The government is examining how such a provision could be incorporated into the legislation.

The meeting also discussed implementation of the Wage Board. The minister said the Ninth Wage Board has not yet been fully implemented, while journalist leaders have called for its implementation before moving to the Tenth Wage Board. Discussions with relevant ministries are underway, and the issue may be placed before the Cabinet if necessary.

He also called on media owners to play their part in implementing the Wage Board, noting that journalists may not benefit from government decisions if media organisations fail to implement them.