The Bangladesh Mobile Phone Consumers Association on Wednesday said that inclusion of citizens’ right to access internet always in the Cyber Security Ordinance 2024 was a victory for consumer rights.
The announcement came in a statement from BMPCA president Mohiuddin Ahmed, saying that the ordinance would help recognising the internet as a fundamental right.
Mohiuddin Ahmed said, ‘We submitted proposals to the constitution reform commission and organised meetings and seminars advocating this cause. The interim government’s decision to address our demands is a significant milestone for citizens in Bangladesh,’ he added.
The BMPCA president expressed optimism that the right to internet access would soon be enshrined in the constitution.
‘Equal access to uninterrupted high-speed internet must be ensured for all, including marginalised populations, to empower them,’ he stated.
The ordinance was approved during the advisery council’s 17th meeting on Tuesday.
At a press conference later that day at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, chief adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam addressed concerns about the ordinance’s implications.
‘The Cyber Security Ordinance 2024 protects cyberspace and safeguards media freedom,’ the press secretary assured.
‘Controversial clauses from the previous Cyber Security Act have been removed, ensuring no restrictions on freedom,’ Shafiqul Alam said.
‘This ordinance will not impose any restrictions on freedom in any way. I am confident, and I believe you can be too,’ he further said.