UN HR rights chief urges Bangladesh to review DSA

The Unite Nations on Monday urged the Bangladesh government to review the Digital Security Act (DSA) and release of those detained under the act for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and opinion.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet made the urge to Bangladesh government in a statement in the backdrop of February 25 death of writer Mushtaq Ahmed, detained in jail custody in a case under DSA for over nine months and denied bail for six times during his pre-trial detention.

‘There needs to be an overhaul of the Digital Security Act under which Ahmed was charged – and all those detained under this Act for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and opinion must be released,’ Bachelet said.

Bachelet urged the Bangladesh authorities to ensure its investigation into the death in custody of writer Mushtaq Ahmed is prompt, transparent and independent.

‘Bangladesh urgently needs to suspend the application of the Digital Security Act and conduct a review of its provisions to bring them in line with the requirements of international human rights law. My Office stands ready to continue its dialogue with the authorities in this regard,’ she said.

The High Commissioner also expressed serious concern at allegations that another man detained on similar charges, cartoonist Ahmed Kishore, has been subjected to torture or other ill treatment. She reminded the authorities of their obligation to promptly and effectively investigate the claims and to ensure his safety and well-being.

They were officially charged for posting ‘propaganda, false or offensive information, and information that could destroy communal harmony and create unrest’. They were brought before a court on Tuesday last week, where Kishore alleged that he had been subjected to torture by two Rapid Action Battalion officers and reportedly appeared visibly injured.

‘The Government must ensure that its investigation into Ahmed’s death is prompt, transparent and independent, and that any allegations of ill-treatment of other detainees are also immediately investigated,’ Bachelet said.

‘Allegations of torture and ill-treatment by the Rapid Action Battalion have been a long-standing concern. The UN Committee Against Torture in 2019 recommended the Government commission an independent inquiry into allegations that members of the unit have carried out torture, arbitrary arrests, unacknowledged detention, disappearances and extrajudicial killings as a matter of routine policy, and to ensure that the personnel conducting the inquiry receive effective protection from harassment or intimidation,’ read the statement.

The High Commissioner also expressed concern at reports that police had allegedly used excessive force during protests demanding justice over Mushtaq’s death - 35 people have been reportedly injured and 7 arrested. Another activist, Ruhul Amin has also reportedly been arrested under the Digital Security Act for a post on Facebook over Mushtaq’s death.

‘Various UN Human Rights bodies have long raised concerns about the ill-defined, overly broad provisions of the Digital Security Act that have been used to punish criticism of the Government,” Bachelet said.