[bestbits] Bangladesh need your attention - Amendment of the ICT Act

[Joana Varonferraz]

Dear Shahzad,

Im really sorry to hear so. I've checked the website and the suggestion for action is to post a letter to the prime minister:

https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/23539/action

Is there another help you would need? 

Take good care!

Joana

--- ~ --- ~ --- ~ 
Joana Varon Ferraz
Researcher
Centro de Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS/FGV)



On 21/08/2013, at 00:02, Shahzad Ahmad <shahzad at bytesforall.pk> wrote:

> Dear colleagues,
> 
> Wish to draw your kind attention on the latest developments in Bangladesh. 
> 
> Adilur Rahman is a personal friend and a renowned human rights defender. He was picked by the police on 10th August 2013. Some details of the case are here https://www.frontlinedefenders.org/node/23539
> 
> Following note has been sent to relevant UN Special Procedures and Mandate Holders by concerned civil society organizations, however, it will be good that you all are also aware and probably can help. 
> 
> Best wishes and regards
> Shahzad
> 
> PS: We dread policy laundering so re very very concerned.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> Dear Special Procedures Mandate Holders
> 
> This is to alert you regarding the ordinance titled Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (Amendment) Act, 2013 being passed and approved by the Cabinet of Bangladesh on 19 August 2013.
> 
> The cabinet has approved the proposed draft of the “Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (Amendment) Act, 2013” which seeks to make significant changes to the existing legislation enacted in 2006.
> 
> Initial reports indicate that some of the key provisions of the amendment are as follows:
> 
> 1. Section 76 of the present Act classifies all offences committed under the Act to be Non-Cognizable. However, the 2013 amendment seeks to classify some of the offences as cognizable. By doing so, the police could arrest persons without issuing a warrant by invoking Section 54 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. 
>  
> 2. Offences under the present Act are bailable, while the amendment seeks to make the offences non-bailable.
>  
> 3. The maximum period of imprisonment for offences under the Act has been increased to 14 years as against 10 years under the present Act. Penalties and fines are also to be enhanced. 
>  
> Reports also suggest that the Ordinance is likely to receive the assent of the President soon, after which the provisions will come into effect. As soon as the copy of the Ordinance is made available to us we will share it with you.
> We would further like to bring to your notice to the fact that this draft amendment has been passed in a hurry by the cabinet while the Parliament is scheduled to be in session soon on 12 September 2013. By doing so, the government has denied the opposition parties the opportunity to discuss the provisions of the amendment and raise objections.
> 
> We must also bring to your attention the recent arrest of Adilur Rahman Khan, a prominent human rights activist on 10 August 2013 for the alleged offences under the Information and Communication Technology Act, 2006. The documents submitted before the courts in relation to his arrest also suggest that the authorities seek to proceed against Adilur Rahman Khan for charges similar to sedition.
> 
> We anticipate that further arrests of human rights defenders such as Adilur Rahman Khan would be carried out soon after the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (Amendment) Act, 2013 ordinance is promulgated by the President.
> 
> We therefore call upon your office to urgently intervene and urge the Government of Bangladesh and the President of Bangladesh to refrain from bringing the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) (Amendment) Act, 2013 into force. 
> 
> Please do contact us should you need any further information or clarification.
> 
> ------
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