Section 57 and other controversial provisions of the ICT act will be removed, as the draft of the Digital Security Act has been finalised, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu told reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting on the draft act at the law ministry on Wednesday (Nov 29). The draft, to be sent to the cabinet for approval, will contain proposals for abolishing sections 54, 55, 56, 57 and 66 of the ICT act.
The government has finalised the draft of 'Digital Security Law 2017' repealing section 57 of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, said Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu on Wednesday.
"We've finalised the draft of the Digital Security law and hope that it will be placed in parliament during its winter session after the cabinet's approval," he said.
The minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after an inter-ministerial meeting over the draft of the Digital Security law at the secretariat, local media reports said.
"In the draft law, we've proposed revoking controversial sections 54, 55, 56, and 66 along with the section 57," he said. The revised law will preserve the basic rights of citizens as well as help build a digital society and ensure its security, the minister added.
State Minister for ICT Division Junaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Tarana Halim were, among others, present.
According to section 57, if anyone deliberately publishes or transmits any false and obscene material on a website or in any electronic form, or causes deterioration in law and order or prejudices the state's image or hurts religious beliefs or instigates anyone against any person or organisation, such activity will be regarded as an offence.
The offender will face a maximum punishment of 14 years' imprisonment, says the section.
