SANGSAD BHABAN, Sept 20, 2018 (BSS) – Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said a section of journalists and civil society members are opposing the Digital Security Act in personal interests, not thinking the concern of whole society.
“Journalists are merely looking to their profession…. they are not thinking about the whole society while opposing the act,” she said in her valedictory speech tonight in the 22nd session of the 10th Parliament with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Choudhury in the chair.
“Many people have given their opinions on the Digital Security Bill, 2018 which the parliament passed yesterday. But unfortunately many of them have reacted out of their own personal or organization’s interest.”
Few editors, journalists and noted persons opposed the bill alleging that it would curb their freedom of expression, which is not true at all and they are speaking freely whatever they like, she said.
“Those people cannot recall how press freedom was curtailed and journalists were intimidated during 2001-2006. And which government, except the Awami League, has shown courage to issue television and radio license to private owners?” she posed a question.
“Journalism profession should be constructive and responsible which would be benefitted for the country and its people. Undoubtedly, press freedom is not for disturbing social harmony or damaging the country’s image,” she said.
“The digital technology has brought the globe on our palm, but an unscrupulous section is indiscriminately using the technology to create social problem,” Sheikh Hasina said.
“The present government has established Digital Bangladesh and we want people would enjoy its benefit and the Digital Security Act Bill has been passed in the parliament aimed at ensuring security of the children, youths and students.
The prime minister said the 22nd session of the parliament was an important one as a total of 18 bills were passed in this short session of ten days. So, it was a successful session, she said.
She said the Road Safety Bill, 2018 has been passed after long work and consultation with stakeholders. The bill recognising Dawrae Hadith (Takmil) certificate in Qawmi Madrasa with the status of postgraduate degree of Islamic Studies and Arabic will bring benefit for 15 lakh students of Qawmi Madrasas.
“The Qawmi madrasa students are meritorious, but they were neglected for long time, though ground of education system of our country is from those institutions,” she said.
The recognition of the Dawrae Hadith will bring the Qawmi Madrasa students to the mainstream of the society and the students would get job at home and abroad, she added.
Sheikh Hasina said the country’s democracy is making way defying many obstacles. Country’s economy is progressing as rule of democracy is persisting, she said.
The prime minister said her government has given the democracy a solid foundation. Those people who cannot find the democratic steadiness, actually they are in unsteady position, she said.
The prime minister said she has deep confidence in the people of Bangladesh, and they would elect the party to power which would work for them.