Haas voices concern over DSA

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas on Tuesday reiterated Washington's concern over Bangladesh's Digital Security Act.

"The United States has made their concerns about the DSA clear, both in their annual Human Right Report and in meetings with government officials," the ambassador told an event at EMK Centre in Dhaka commemorating the World Press Freedom Day 2022.

He referred to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) most recent World Press Freedom Index that ranked Bangladesh 162nd out of 180 countries, a drop of ten places from the previous year.

The envoy said one reason Bangladesh scored so low is the Digital Security Act, which the report calls "one of the world's most draconian laws for journalists."

"We are also concerned about the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission's draft "Regulation for Digital, Social Media and Over-the-Top Platforms" and the draft "Data Protection Act," Ambassador Haas said.

"While neither draft has been finalized, we fear they contain provisions which could be used to further intimidate journalists and others eager to express themselves," he mentioned.

The US envoy said the founders of the United States found the idea of press freedom so important that it became the very First Amendment in our Bill of Rights.

"Of course, that does not mean the United States is perfect when it comes to having a free press," he said.

In the same RSF World Press Freedom Index, the United States ranked 42nd out of 180 countries. "Frankly, the United States needs to do better," he said.

The ambassador highlighted five principles including protection of journalists from harassment and violence, noting that journalists play an even more important role in elections.

"I very much hope that these five principles are upheld throughout the election season and beyond,"
he said.